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Where is Roger Lacasse? / 5

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

CONTENTS

Volume 35 • Number 5 • May 2012

www.horsesall.com 6

Editor: Craig Couillard craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com (403) 200-1019

8

10

11

Field Editor Crystal McPeak crystal@fbcpublishing.com (403) 360-3210 Field Editor Natalie Sorkilmo natalie.sorkilmo@fbcpublishing.com (403) 608-2238

Grooming for success: The life of a show jumper groom

Silversmith Scott Hardy & Calgary Stampede centennial buckles

12

14

Sales Account Manager Crystal McPeak crystal@fbcpublishing.com (866) 385-3669 (toll free)

Pryor Mustangs: Magic on the mountain

10 great hometown rodeos to check out

16

18

Sales Account Manager Natalie Sorkilmo natalie.sorkilmo@fbcpublishing.com (403) 608-2238 Special Projects – Glacier Ag Media Tom Mumby glacieragproducts@shaw.ca (780) 459-5464 Publisher: Bob Willcox bob@fbcpublishing.com

Awww Schuks: BC cowgirls take home top awards

20

This month’s contributors: Jaime Thomas, Terri McKinney, Cindy Bablitz, April Clay, Aimee Benoit, Wendy Dudley, Dianne Finstad, Heather Grovet, Robyn Moore, Amie Peck, Jody Seeley, Glenn Stewart, Carol Upton, and Mag Mawhinney.

Published Monthly by: Farm Business Communications 1666 Dublin Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H1

Iconic maker of the white cowboy hat still going strong

Accept the human, accept the saddle

23

Horseback archery requires skill in horsemanship and archery

Advertising Deadline Second Monday of the month prior to publication date.

Associations...............................

Backcountry Travels ..................

Behind the cover ......................

A Breed Apart ...........................

Calendar of Events ....................

Classifieds ..................................

Cowboy Poetry..........................

Doing it my way .......................

Eye on the Industry ..................

From the field ...........................

Make cheques payable to Horses All. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

Published Monthly by Farm Business Communications ISSN 0225-4913

Notice of Copyright Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertisement or editorial content bought or produced by HORSES ALL is vested in and belongs to HORSES ALL. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form with out the prior written consent of HORSES ALL. Horses All does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

Those received will not be returned.

25

Start planning your backcountry trip now

26

Reaching for Hunter excellence with Kim Kirton

28 25 3 13 31 32 4 18 29 6

Get a Grip .................................

Going Down the Trail ...............

Hands on Horsekeeping............

Horse Health .............................

Horse Heroes ..................... 7 & Homeward Bound .....................

In it to Win it............................

Inspirations ...............................

Looking Back.............................

My Tunes ...................................

20 10 24 27 19 15 23 8 4 17

Our Way of Life.........................

Riding out of your Mind ..........

Talking Back ..............................

The Mercantile ..........................

Two-Bit Cowboy .......................

Time to Chill .............................

Where are they now? ................

Women of the West .......... 6 & Young Guns .............................

14 9 12 21 4 17 5 22 12

SPRINGTIME ARRANGEMENT

Canadian Postmasters Return undeliverable Canadian addresses (covers only)to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7.

Return undeliverable US & foreign addresses (covers only) to Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 9800, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K7.

None of the material, written or artistic, may be reprinted or used in any way without the specific permission of the editor. The opinions and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements found in Horses All are not necessarily those of the staff or owners. Therefore, HORSES ALL will not be responsible for those opinions or statements included in the articles or advertisements.

However, the staff and owners of HORSES ALL would appreciate written notice of false advertising. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, no responsibility will be assumed for advertising received by telephone and in no case will liability be assumed for greater than the cost of the advertising when errors or omissions have occurred.

HORSES ALL may not be held responsible for the loss or damage of any photographs, drawings, logos, manuscripts, etc., that are sent or brought to the office.

Husband and wife team rescue 400 horses

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Periodicals Postage Paid at Puyallup, WA, and additional mailing offices.

U.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (cover only) to Horses All c/o Transborder Mail PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA. 98063-6016, U.S.A.

10 summer horse camps to send your kids

Behind the cover Front cover artist profile

By Cindy Bablitz

K

im Penner’s equine art evolved from the simple starting place of appreciation for beauty.

“In university, there was a lot of attention given to art with shock value, and back then, I did do a lot of abstract stuff,” says equine artist Kim Penner from her home and studio in Lacombe, AB. “Once I graduated, I just knew that I wanted to really focus on the things that are beautiful, positive... there’s enough shocking, negative things out there already.”

Kim’s Springtime Arrangement — the piece titled by her daughter Amanda — is a refreshing, playful celebration of the best of equestrian scenery in Alberta. The original was a stunning 30 x 48, and sold for an impressive $15,000. A limited number of giclées, (reproductions on canvas) in two size formats, are still available to purchase.

Kim loves working from her own reference photographs, and the multi-sensory memories

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

of her own live experiences trail riding through Alberta's sweet prairie and foothill landscapes. She’ll often extrapolate from up to six or seven reference images, capturing details from flowers to mountains — and from forelock to mane — for accuracy.

S p r i n g t i m e Arrangement features the horizon of the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch — Canada's only federally operated working horse ranch, owned and managed by Parks Canada — just west of Sundre, AB, and the mountain peak called Warden’s Rock.

“The area is home to a lot of wild horses, and some people who know the area, and have seen the wildies, have told me my Springtime Arrangement horses look like wild horses, but they’re not,” says Kim. Kim Penner’s art has grown to become a real family affair. Her husband Glen manages the business of the art, and daughters Amanda

and Meghan frequently collaborate with their mom in titling.

“Sometimes we brainstorm a title, and I work to create a painting from that.

Most times though, my riding is my inspiration, and my art stems from that. Even though, once it’s hanging on your wall, the title isn’t seen, it still does tell a story, it should capture the spirit of the painting, so we usually try really hard to come up with something good.”

Kim is the recipient of many prestigious art awards including Best New Artist from the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede in 1997 and Winnipeg’s 2004 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Springtime Arrangement will be featured as a prize in an upcoming Horses All Facebook contest. (“Like” us at Horses All magazine on Facebook.)

To see more of Kim Penner’s work, surf to www.kimpenner.com. 

3

HORSE SENSE Craig Couillard – Editor

A

ll breeds — all disciplines.

That’s what Horses All has been about for 35 years.

Our parent company, Glacier Media Group/FBC Communications purchased Horses All about 4 years ago. They have been extremely successful with our sister publications such as The Western Producer, Canadian Cattleman, Alberta Farmer Express, Grainews, and Wheel & Deal to name a few.

I joined the team a year ago and travelled extensively visiting our advertisers, and also our readers at various horse events. We were told over and over to get back to our western roots.

A meeting with Les Burwash of Alberta Agriculture confirmed those sentiments.

He explained that of the approximate 200,000 horses in Alberta, roughly 75 per cent were ridden western, 25 per cent English.

He also estimated that 10 per cent of the horses in Alberta are ridden competitively, the remaining 90 per cent ridden for recreational and ranching purposes, or simply standing in a field somewhere.

The other interesting fact I recently learned was that 75 per cent of horse owners in Alberta are women.

I suspect the other Prairie provinces would track along similar lines to these statistics.

Every business has to have a unique selling proposition, and Horses All is no different. The horse magazine market is quite crowded. Some of our competitors have a high-end western focus. Others focus primarily on the English disciplines, and some just rodeo.

Looking back Images from yesteryear

Rhymes from the Range

By Mag Mawhinney

But we plan to continue our tradition of all breeds — all disciplines. However we will also be responding to the demographics previously stated. Last fall we made a sharp shift to our western roots without losing sight of the other disciplines.

Our team is also focused on our simple mission statement — Inspired by people and horses. That’s why you are seeing more articles about people, horses, places, and events. And not just about the Pros, but also the Joes — the large majority of us who ride because we simply love it.

Since we have such broad demographics, we have a treasure trove of ideas to explore and write about. I believe most horseman love a good story… whether it’s about a heavy horse or a barrel racer, champion show jumper or an inspiring endurance rider. Virtually everyone with a horse has an interesting story, and we are working hard to find them. We welcome your ideas.

We have tripled our distribution to 20,000 mail boxes, giving Horses All the largest distribution of any horse publication in western Canada. And we remain one of the last publications to publish a monthly magazine.

And you know what? All of these improvements seem to be working. We are receiving a lot of positive feedback from our readers, and our advertisers appreciate our new editorial content and expanded distribution.

People and horses — a pretty simple formula. We hope you enjoy the refocused and re-energized Horses All.

“Don’t get me talkin’ about horses,” he said, With an all-knowing look in his eye.

“You never use force when you’re breakin’ a horse And I’m gonna tell you just why.

Cowboy poetry

Don’t think for a minute that buckin’ them out Is gonna take the wild from a colt.

When he leaves the corral, just as sure as hell, He’ll give you one helluva jolt.

And it takes a lot more than whisperin’ words To penetrate the depth of his pride And let it be said, to get into his head, Keep patience and time on your side.

First, you sidle up real close to his shoulder And you sweet talk them, gentle and slow, Line up with his eye and he’ll know, by ‘n by You’re really a friend, not a foe.

Then take them away from the rest of the herd And pen them somewhere, all alone.

See… horses are smart, but to get a good start, They’ve gotta learn to think on their own.

You start sackin’ them out when he’s three years old So he’s used to some weight on his hide, Then add on a pack, hitched high on his back, But still he ain’t ready to ride.

You gotta lead them way up past the treeline, Make them climb till he’s plumb tuckered out, Then take my advice, if done more than twice, You’ll saddle them up with no doubt.

I’ve been trainin’ horses for many long years And I’ll give you my best guarantee — Though you both play a role in trust and control, Respectin’ each other’s the key.”

Now living on Vancouver Island, Mag Mawhinney’s poetry and love of the west are influenced by her roots in BC’s Cariboo country, where she grew up in the heart of homestead and ranch country. She has been writing and performing cowboy poetry for over 10 years; her most recent book is Dreams of Fast Horses. Horse Sense appears in her upcoming book/CD project, Western Spirit. www.magmawhinney.com

THINKSTOCK.COM

Two-bits from a two-bit cowboy

City kids win a pony at Calgary Stampede Special Children’s Day planned for Centennial celebration

By Aimee Benoit, Calgary Stampede Archivist

I

t’s Friday morning, July 13, 1945. Ten years old, you are one of 23,000 kids and their parents packed into the Calgary Stampede’s Grandstand on Children’s Day. You have a ticket stub clutched in your hand and butterflies in your stomach as you await the grand prize draw. You were among the crowds of people who watched the pony pass by in the Stampede Parade — the beautiful little pony they are about to give away — and you are hoping with fingers crossed that your number will be called.

From the 1930s to ’50s, several lucky children did win the pony, probably much to their parents’ dismay! The draw began in 1931 as part of the Grand Live Stock Review, which later morphed into Children’s Day. Local businessmen including Pat Burns, one of the Calgary Stampede founders, donated prizes for the event; in 1945 these included two ponies, two dogs, a wristwatch and three purebred sows.

Calgarians who were children at the time remember the sting of jealousy when neighbours or classmates won the coveted prize pony.

Certainly every little cowboy or cowgirl dreamed of owning a pony to ride; however the reality of keeping it would have been a bit more complicated.

4

CALGARY STAMPEDE PHOTO

Local businessmen including Pat Burns, one of the Calgary Stampede founders, donated prizes to give away; in 1945 these included two ponies.

Some winners kept the animal for a few days in a garage or back yard. But for most urban children, the dream was shortlived until a more suitable home was found. By the mid-1950s, bylaws restricted livestock in the

city, and bicycles soon replaced ponies as the grand prize at Children’s Day — not quite as thrilling but perhaps more practical for city kids.

A special day is still set-aside for children at the Calgary

Stampede today. BMO Kids’ Day will take place Wednesday, July 11, 2012 as part of this year’s Centennial Stampede, and will feature a free breakfast, a free Morning Show in the Grandstand, and free Park admission from 6

a.m. - 9 a.m. for children. You won’t see any ponies given away, but there is sure to be lots of fun for the whole family.

For more information, go t o w w w. c a l g a r y s t a m p e d e . com. 

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Where are they now?

By Dianne Finstad

L

et’s rock ’n roll, boys!”

With that trademark signal, the chute gate would open and rodeo fans would be treated to eight seconds of unbridled excitement, as bareback rider Roger Lacasse would lay way back, and spur the daylights out of whatever they’d run under him.

The much-loved competitor who made Edmonton his adopted home proved that “cowboy” isn’t where you’re from, it’s what’s inside you.

Growing up in rural Quebec, with a love of horses and a desire to rodeo, Lacasse made his way west and carved a place in pro rodeo history. He singlehandedly did more to promote an appreciation for French Canadians in the west than a truckload of politicians.

Lacasse’s talent with his bareback rigging earned him 14 trips to the Canadian Finals Rodeo. There he walked away twice with the Canadian Champion’s buckle, in 1998, and again in 2004.

He won the $50,000 at the Calgary Stampede. And he still holds the record for CFR earnings in a single event, when he won $48,631 in 2004.

With a resume like that, probably the only person surprised by a call he got this spring was Lacasse himself.

“I just would lay back and give ‘er hard every time.”

— Roger Lacasse

“It was a Saturday night and I was home by myself when Lester phoned to say I was being inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame.

I was in shock,” he revealed.“It’s incredible.”

Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame President Lester Gurnett got to deliver the good news to Lacasse, whose home now is in Mirabel, Quebec. There, Lacasse is close to family, and runs a successful roofing company c a l l e d , f i t t i n g l y, R o g e r ’ s Roofing.

“When I first started rodeoing in Alberta, I was a blacksmith, but I didn’t know the language, so I couldn’t explain to people about their horses.

But then I had a friend who was roofing, and I saw how much money he was making, and thought ‘you don’t have to talk with that, just roof.’ So I learned it out there.”

Despite his business commitments, Lacasse remains very involved in rodeo in his home province. He holds rodeo schools, has judged, and even still rides, or at least he did last year at the big Festival Western St. Tite.

“I get on a few times,” explained the cowboy, who

Quebec cowboy’s legacy includes CFR and Calgary Stampede titles Roger Lacasse to be inducted into Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame just turned 49. “I won the first round at St. Tite last fall, but then on the next horse I blew the bicep in my right arm and tore the ligaments. So I think I’m done riding. But I might get on one next year when I’m 50, just to impress myself,” he declared.

“I’m still riding like a kid.

My best year was when I was 35, but my body is saying, Roger you should quit. But I still love it.”

Along with seeing rodeo from the judge’s perspective, he’s also viewing the sport from behind the chutes as a “rodeo Dad,” with all three of his children sharing his love for the sport.

“I get more nervous for them than when I was riding!”

The oldest, Spur, is well along the trail in his father’s boot steps.

“He’s turning 19. He was out in Calgary this winter, and practicing at the Olds College rodeo nights. I might lose him pretty quick if he keeps doing what he’s doing. I give him my passion, and he’s learning pretty good so far. A lot of people say our riding styles look the same.

I tried to teach him different, to be straight. But I did not ride square, and it worked for me. I just would lay back and give ’er hard every time.”

“Spur keeps busy roofing with me. He wanted to stay out west and rodeo this year, but I told him to bring his butt back here. He’s not ready yet. He’ll get the green light, but not yet.”

“Cheyenne is 14, and she carries the flags at every rodeo, and she wants to get into barrel racing. Cash is soon 12, and he’s riding steers.”

Lacasse put his roofing and rodeo earnings towards what he calls a beautiful ranch at Mirabel, with a bit of land, where he keeps three horses, and does sleigh rides in the wintertime.

Lacasse is a hero in “la belle province,” and has inspired other young eastern cowboys to want to ride bucking horses as well.

“Rodeo is getting bigger and bigger out here, with more kids getting involved. The circuit is looking really good. The rodeo schools attract a lot of young kids. Some get addicted to it and some don’t. But there’s a nice crew coming along that will head west soon. We’ll try to produce good bareback and bronc riders here and send them to you guys, so you don’t run out,” chuckled Lacasse.

It’s not hard for Lacasse to pick out some of the fondest memories of his rodeo heyday.

“When I rode Blue Ridge at the Calgary Stampede to win the $50,000, that was pretty special. I’d been there fourteen times, and ten times I made it to the top ten, and five times to the top four. I’d been second a few times, so to finally win was something. Then to be 89 points, and win Cheyenne that same year. My girl was born the next morning, so we named her Cheyenne.”

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

photo credit: mike copeman

Roger Lacasse on one of his winning ride on his way to the 2004 Canadian Finals Rodeo bareback championship.

“Then two years ago, my retirement at St. Tite. They brought me into the middle of the arena and told a story about Roger. It made me think I cannot quit, I have to get back on!”

As Roger Lacasse watches his son pursuing the same kind of

rodeo dream, it makes him proud.

“He’s really good at school, so I thought he should go on to university, but he wants to be just like his Dad. His mother told him, look your Dad got to see the world riding bareback horses. I’ve been so blessed in

rodeo. I went to Brazil five times, Africa and Italy, all with rodeo. It’s pretty neat.”

Lacasse will be officially inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, along with this year’s other honorees, October 20th in Calgary. t

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Grooming for Success: Women of the west

The life of a show jumper groom

Personal profile

Stefania Sieferling works hard behind the scenes

By Jaime Thomas

B

eing a groom in the show jumping world is certainly a job unlike any other. The sport itself is demanding so the role of a groom is vital in determining the performance outcome that lasts mere minutes in the competition ring, not to mention the days, weeks and months spent preparing.

Although there are many reasons that Calgary’s Stefania Sieferling (24) is a show jumping groom, she mostly does it because she loves it.

At the age of nine, she convinced her parents that getting a horse would help curb her bratty behaviour and boredom with school. She took riding lessons and eventually became the owner of her own horse. She embraced the training and care that went into being a competitive hunter jumper.

She took a step back from the horse world after the unexpected death of one of her horses but re-entered the horse business as a groom to Canadian Grand Prix level show jumper Jen Serek in 2009. She recently moved into a new role as assistant barn manager for Jen. Her many grooming duties include preparing the horses for their exercise and lesson schedules, delivering therapy to improve their performance, feeding and daily care, and providing preparation and training support at competitions.

In her role as assistant manager she organizes paperwork for travelling, organizes the competition schedules for Jen and her students, makes accommodation and transportation arrangements,

and travels with the competitors and horses.

Early on, Stefania came to realize that the bond between horses and people is unlike any other animal-human bond.

“They don’t care who you are outside of the barn, they care that you treat them well and spend time making their lives better”, she says.

She found it rewarding to make these animals happier in their everyday lives. “The happier they are, the more likely it is that they will do the things that you ask them to do. They don’t have to do what we ask of them,” she says.

Stefania has learned many things from horses, most importantly to be patient. “If everyone had the chance to work with horses, they might be more kind and considerate.”

As a groom she’s learned to anticipate the needs of the horses she works with. “Horses cannot ask for what they want, at least not in the language that we speak.”

She’s learned to be perceptive and offer them what she thinks they are asking her for.

In doing this for horses, she found herself becoming a more considerate person to the people around her. “You should not have to ask to be treated well… horses teach you to think outside of yourself.”

When asked to describe the people-horse bond, Stephania said, “sometimes it just works for some reason. The bonds between each horse and person are different, some are deeper just as they are between people. To a horse, the best way to build a relationship with them is through consistency in all ways that you interact with them.”

Stefania finds satisfaction as a

PHOTO BY RYAN HK

Show jumping groom Stefania Sieferling with Eleonora, one of Jenn Serek’s grand prix horses owned by the Shin Shin Group.

groom in many different ways — exchanging a shoulder rub with the horse she is working with, providing a therapy that helps the horse to feel and perform better, or by seeing a horse learning something new.

There are days that are more challenging than others, but she fully accepts it’s part of her role in caring for these intelligent show jumping athletes.

Perhaps one of the larger drawbacks of being a groom is having an on-call schedule. There are times when you need to stay up all night to care for a sick horse, or put in a day of exceptionally long hours at a show.

“The bonds between each horse and person are different, some are deeper just as they are between people.”

— STEFANIA SIEFERLING

“As the sport evolves, the role of the groom is becoming more recognized.” Grooms need to be on top of the latest therapy tools and aspects of program development as there are always new things to be learned and challenges to overcome.

As a groom, Stefania finds

satisfaction in receiving support and recognition from her peer group. “The people I work with are good people.” She may not be visible like the rider delivering the performance in the ring, but she recognizes that she is part of an important group working hard behind the scenes. 

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Burwash

Snapshots from our Field Editors

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onor Spirit Horse Barrel Race June 17 at Diamond N Ranch in Settler, Alta. is for those who fondly remember and are grateful for their teachers along the way. Open, Futurity, Derby, Youth & Pee Wee divisions.

Entries close June 1 Dawn Link 780-518-6449 dmlink1@hotmail.com

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he Canadian Professional Rodeo Association recently named two new staff members. Pete Montana will step into the General Manager’s role. Kynan Vine was named Rodeo Administrator.

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he 2012 Working Cowboy Competition and Horse Sale at Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB was a great success. After 13 hours of competition, the winners of the events were as follows: Open Ranch Roping – Steve Millar, Theresa Millar and Sam Morrison; Novice Roping – Cory Thompson, Scott Schieck; Ranch Horse Competition – Corey Wiebe; Pasture Doctoring – Barry Thiessen; Stockdog – Sheila Phillips; and Ranch Bronc Riding – Adian Cox and Graeme Anderson (co-champions). Steve Millar was named Canada’s Greatest Working Cowboy. High selling horse was GR High Brow, a 2001 gelding by High Brow Hickory. He was consigned by Dennis Dube from Cold Lake and sold to Bill Pocock of Minburn, Ab for $11,500. Sale average on horses was $3944.

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Drs. Burwash, Nyrop, Butters, Butters Penttila a & Quaschnick Qua Fax ax: 403.242.936 403.242.9361 1 Email Email: mail: eslvet@telus.net eslve Ph: 403.242.1913 Fax: Visit our website for more information: www ww w w.eslvet.c www.eslvet.ca

he Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Alberta is holding a Trail/ Horsemanship Clinic with Extreme Cowboy Race competitor Wendy Stephens at the Cochrane Ag Grounds July 4-5, 2012. Wendy is featured on the U.S. HRTV’s “America’s Favourite Trail Horse” with her Section B Welsh Pony stallion Flying Diamond the Bailef. Wendy hails from Louisiana and is the first woman to win an Extreme Cowboy Race and the first person to do so on a pony. She is coming up to the Calgary Stampede to compete in the Extreme Cowboy Challenge. Space is limited. More information at www.albertawelsh.com www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Horse heroes

Joan Harris is star endurance rider but quickly credits her horse

Profiles of exceptional horses

The horse behind the Endurance Canada Hall of Fame Award Winner

By Robyn Moore

E

arlier this year, Joan Harris of Jarvie, AB, was named the recipient of the Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award. With her lifetime mileage close to 6,800 competitive miles, the award is greatly deserved. However, she is quick to give credit to her horses.

“I received this award for all I have done in Endurance, but it was my horses that kept me going,” Joan comments.

It was Stranger, a beautiful bay horse, who introduced Joan to the international scene of endurance riding. Joan says, “He is the reason I have such a love of this sport.”

Stranger was born near Barrhead, AB, in 1981. He is sired by a registered Polish Arabian and is out of a grade Morgan mare.

When Joan bought him at an auction in October of 1981, she thought she was purchasing a mate for a driving team.

After training Stranger to drive and finding out that he did not enjoy it, she started him in endurance riding, which she has been hooked on since 1982.

In 1985, Joan started Stranger in Limited Distance Competitions and he was her go-to competition horse until 1993. In 1987, Joan entered Stranger in his first 100 mile race.

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“We had done 50 miles rides at the same location, so we knew what to expect,” Joan says. “He just flew, I was up against a seasoned 100 horse field, but Stranger was in his element that ride. The two of us did the whole event until the last mile. We had picked a spot where we would start to race for the finish and after a couple of strides we were already a length ahead. We just kept going.

Stranger still had a lot of gas and the other horse, though fast, was too tired to keep up.”

They finished the race in eight hours, 55 minutes, and 18 seconds. A feat, which, according to Joan, is the fastest time for a Canadian horse on Canadian soil.

Stranger and Joan did another 100 miles at the same place and finished in nine hours and 20 minutes, which was two hours ahead of his nearest competition.

He was the top horse and Joan was the top rider for two years in a row with the Endurance Riders of Alberta.

At the first Worlds Endurance Competition, held in Virginia in 1988, Joan and Stranger were nominated to enter and helped to bring home a silver medal.

Now retired, Stranger is 31 years old and still keeps Joan on her toes. Not only is he versatile, athletic and has a great mind, he is also incredibly smart. Joan calls

him an “escape artist.” He doesn’t run away; he just seems to like the challenge.

Joan remembers, “When we had first built our barn at our new farm, I would go out in the a.m. to do chores and all four horses were in their pens, but not the ones I left them in the night before.

This went on for a few days, all gates closed but not latched, so I got up early the next a.m. and quietly went up to the barn and slowly opened the door. Stranger heard me and flew into the empty stall and nudged the gate closed behind himself. He’s 31 and still will escape if he can.”

While still healthy and brighteyed, Joan recognizes that Stranger is getting up there in age. “There will be a deep void in my life when Stranger passes. It will be tough to lose my best companion of 30 plus years. We were truly a team!”

Good luck to Joan, who is competing in more rides this summer so she will have her 7,000 mile award buckle in time for her 70th birthday.

If you have or know of a horse hero, tell us why, send us a photo and each month we’ll feature a horse that stands out from the herd. Robyn Moore is the Manager of Horse Industry Association of Alberta, email rmoore@albertahorseindustry.ca

photo credit: joan harris

Hall of Famer Joan Harris with Stranger in 1985.

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7

Inspirations

Silversmith Scott Hardy ropes Calgary Stampede centennial buckles Alberta craftsman inspired by nature and Western lifestyle

Artist profile

By Wendy Dudley

S

itting inside Scott Hardy’s workshop is like crouching in a coulee, protected from the wind that is knocking at his door but hearing its power as it gallops across the surrounding oatmeal prairie.

“Don’t you just love that?” he says. “A lot of people don’t like it, but I love the sound of the wind.

It’s music.”

A master Western silversmith, Hardy spends his days handcutting, soldering, engraving and polishing. Wearing glasses that magnify his work, he delicately carves a bit of the West into all of his pieces, whether a threepiece buckle set, napkin rings, saddle silver, canteen, wine flask, or headstall.

A soft northern light spills across his work table, while his west windows frame billowing clouds rising over the snowcrowned Rockies. On the flats below his studio, his small herd of Longhorns rest comfortably, while his horses stand with their tails to the wind.

Hardy toils in this eye of nature and passion for the West. He is inspired by its wildness, its beauty, its individuality. “Everything about the West — all that pride, fortitude and determination — goes into my work.”

What he sees outside his window seeps into his designs, as nature’s swirls, curls and curves are transposed into the elegance of his filigreed work. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, Hardy leaves little unfilled space in his work.

Such sophistication is rare among North America’s silversmiths. All of his work is done by hand, with some pieces taking up to 600 hours to complete. There

is no mass production, and no plated silver. He works only in precious metals — solid silver and carat gold.

“My work is technical, but you have to breathe life into it.

Nature flows, and my work mimics nature.”

A full-time silversmith since 1981, Hardy was recently commissioned to create 100 limited edition buckles to mark this year’s Calgary Stampede centennial. An image of the buckle, featuring a 10K gold bronc rider, the words Calgary Stampede and its brand, as well as the centennial dates, will also be on a Canada Post stamp to be issued this summer.

“Can you believe it?” Hardy says.

“It’s unreal.”

His design was inspired by a1912 Stampede buckle which featured a bronc known as I See U, the sunfishing horse sketched by cowboy artist Ed Borein. It was used in various Stampede advertising, and appeared on its 1923 Stampede poster.

Receiving such attention is not so unreal when one reviews Hardy’s work and accomplishments. In the early ’90s, he was commissioned to make monogram buckles for all of Canada’s premiers. In 1994, he won Best of Show at the 10th annual Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada; in 2001 he received the Will Rogers Award for Engraver of the Year; and in 2006, he was invited to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., to represent western craftsmanship in Alberta.

He may have little time to tend to his fences, or his dozen Longhorns and eight horses — he says he had to choose between being a cowboy or a professional craftsman — but he would never be without animals.

Scott Hardy of Longview, Alta., is a master Western silversmith. He works only in precious metals and all of his work is hand-done, from cutting to soldering to engraving and polishing. Here he works on one of the Calgary Stampede centennial buckles. A reproduction of Ed Borein’s bucking horse, used on the 1923 Stampede poster, sits on his table. The buckle’s bronc has been designed based on Borein’s image.

photos courtesy of leslie hardy

The Calgary Stampede Centennial silver buckle is available in two different sizes (small is $2,600, large is $2,950). Key elements of the design are featured in gold, including the saddle bronc and its rider. Hardy was inspired by a similar design on the 1912 Stampede buckle.

A fifth generation stockman, he grew up in Saskatchewan, learning how to ride unbroke Shetland ponies. “They’d deke to the left and right, and we’d

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Working Hats – Don Weller

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Don Weller - The ArTisT

orses and drawing were early passions for internationally renowned artist Don Weller. Growing up in Pullman, Washington, he drew constantly when he wasn’t riding horses.

He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in

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hit the ground. I ate a lot of dirt sandwiches.”

After moving to Alberta in 1972, he spent several years roughnecking, shoeing horses and packing for outfitters. He was drawn to the backcountry, with only his horses for company. “I loved being alone. I got to know the personalities of all the horses so well.” In 1991, he and his wife Leslie built a hillside home east of Longview, Alta.

An introvert, he expresses himself through his work, much of it influenced by the artisans of Tiffanys. Largely self-taught, he continues to learn with each piece.

Take the Calgary Stampede buckles, for example. “I learn something in doing each one, so the next one will be a little different. No two will be exactly alike.”

Hardy credits renowned saddle maker Chuck Stormes, of Millarville, AB, for his artistic growth, taking Stormes’ early sage advice to study art and architecture. “My attitude had been just to start doing it, but Chuck was right. I had to study architecture to learn about form, function and design. And then I had to study art to learn about movement and flow.”

In 1999, Hardy became a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA).

Its membership includes saddle makers, rawhide braiders, bit and spur makers and silversmiths.

For centuries, people have been 3adorning horses with silver, tradi-

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tions brought to North America by the Europeans, he noted.

And in Canada, many of the early Alberta ranches were owned by wealthy businessmen from central Canada who brought their fine tastes in silver tea sets and dining ware to the West. As a youngster, Hardy was mesmerized by his great-grandmother’s silver tea set, studying it to figure out how it was made.

While it is difficult to choose a favourite piece, one of his more personal creations was done for last years TCAA show, held annually in Oklahoma City. It was a wineboat fashioned from the horn of one his Longhorns that had died. The ebony and granite base boasted fully filigreed and hand-engraved sterling silver. A cradle of solid silver held the wine bottle and was reinforced with two major silver scrolls.

“I waited years for the right horn. When I saw the ol’ boy lying there, I knew I had to do that piece.” It took 400 hours to create and came with a catalogue price of $35,300, reflecting its sophistication, intense labour and price of silver (Hardy’s bill for silver alone used in the 2011 show came to $9,000!).

What matters most to Hardy is the emotional response people have to his work. When the wearer of one of his buckles reaches down to lightly touch it, he knows there has been a connection. “Touching it gives them comfort, confidence. I want my work to be touchstones.” t

Colors www.horsesall.com

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| MAY 2012

Riding out of my mind Equestrian sport psychology

The Fifth Natural Riding Aid Start developing a brain workout regime

By April Clay, R. Psych.

“Good horsemanship is based on proper character development and, therefore, is also a matter of mentality and spirit.

Without the correct attitudes and insights, there cannot be the right sport.”

— Charles de Kunffy

A

muster is this: you are doing it anyway.

That’s right, as far as I know most of you are taking your brains to the barn each day (ignore what coaches say when they’re having a bad day). So you have a choice, pay attention to what that mind of yours is doing and not doing for you or don’t — let it train unsupervised.

ll riders are schooled in the art of using what is often referred to as the four natural training aids: legs, hands, seat and voice.

But guess what directs all the action? Your mind of course; otherwise known as the fifth natural riding aid.

Unfortunately, it is the most notoriously underutilized aid.

Many a sport has been referred to as a “four inch game,” or the approximate space between your ears. We are endlessly fascinated with the mental aspects of sport it seems; yet don’t seem to turn this into action. When I speak to riders they all agree their sport is very mental. But when I ask who has a training program that reflects this opinion, very few people raise their hands. Why?

So yes, there will be some work involved in developing your mental muscle, just as your physical riding skills require effort and planning. However, over time you will notice that your awareness of your physical and mental skills will become more unified. You will automatically consider the psychological, as well as the physical reasons why something did or did not go your way.

Brain training = brain draining?

But I can’t see it!

One reason may have to do with effort.

Yes, the addition of mental skills into your training will require some work. There is no magic or shortcut. But I can offer you compelling reasons why it’s worth said effort.

Consider for example, that up to 90 per cent of Olympic athletes utilize it. Or an ever-growing body of research that reveals mental training yields a competitive edge.

But the most compelling reason I can

Mental skills are different from physical skills in that they cannot be observed. As much as your coach may wish to, he or she cannot say “your left hemisphere was overactive and causing your confidence to drop” when you exit the ring.

Only you can really know of your internal progress. The mind is very much like your physical fitness. You begin with awareness of where you are, a baseline.

The mind is very much like your physical fitness.

MOORE

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Then, you decide where you want to be and get the help to develop the workouts necessary to achieve your goal. If you approach your mental riding fitness in much the same way, you will see results.

Take for example the mental skill of recovering gracefully from errors. If you develop a plan to deal effectively with mistakes, and rehearse it, you will ultimately change the way you respond to adversity.

So while you will never be able to clearly

see your mental skills at work, you will know when they are working for you.

If you want your mind to work for you, get used to referring to the brain as a riding aid. And, like any other aid you use, you must search for its proper use, and monitor its progress. If you regard it as an aid, you will come to understand there is proper and improper application. All aids need ongoing work, all aids change according to the horse you are riding. t

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9

Pryor Mustangs: Going down the trail

Magic on the mountain

Places and events of interest

Well worth the day drive to Montana

By Wendy Dudley

A

lone bachelor stallion slips behind the trees, momentarily lost in the shadows before stepping back into the open. He walks slowly, but steadily, along a ridgeline, silhouetted against a backdrop of sprawling sky.

This was my first sighting of a wild horse, not a horse turned loose by a rancher, but truly a wild horse with bloodlines dating back to the 16th century.

If that was the only mustang I saw that day on Pryor Mountain, I would have been happy, but its rocky slopes, watering hole and auburn meadows revealed numerous small bands, each led by a single stallion with his mares and foals.

This is a federally protected herd along the MontanaWyoming border, just a long day’s drive from southern Alberta.

Established in 1968, it was the first federal wild horse range. The Crow Indians say the horses have lived on the mountain for hundreds of years.

There is Cloud, the celebrity palomino stallion featured in several books about the mustangs by Ginger Kathrens, and the star of her documentary series tracing his life from birth to his present day status as a band stallion.

And there is Jackson, a coyote dun stallion, as mentioned in Ian Tyson’s song La Primera, written about the Pryor horses and their connection to the horses brought by ship to North America.

These drinkers of the wind are also honored in Canadian country singer Sharon Anderson’s song, Wild Caballo, and footage of the Pryor horses are featured

in both Tyson’s and Anderson’s music videos.

The Pryor Mountain mustang preserve is home to more than 120 horses, free to roam about 38,000 acres of high desert, and mountainside terrain. It can be a harsh environment, but the horses have evolved to withstand the fluctuating temperatures and cold winds.

Genetically linked to the Spanish colonial horses brought to North America by Hernando Cortes in 1519, the herd has characteristics common to the ArabianBarb horse bred in Andalusia and Seville. Their ears are small, foreheads flat, their muzzles tapered, and their chests deep and narrow.

Many sport primitive markings, or zebra stripes, on their legs.

Those wanting to view the horses should first visit the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Centre (PMWMC) in Lovell, Wyoming, a non-profit educational centre dedicated to preserving the local herd, as well as other American mustangs. Its displays detail the herd’s history, and staff can also give the latest details on where best to find the horses.

Winter hours for the centre are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and summer hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The summer season runs from June 1st to around the end of October.

According to the PMWMC director Lori Graham, the best time of day to spot the horses is mid-morning or late afternoon.

“They’re just like your own horses.

When it’s hot in the middle of the day, they just want to stand in the shade and rest.”

There are two areas where the horses tend to congregate. One is up the mountain, and is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles with at least nine-ply tires. This

photo by wendy dudley

Many visitors to the Pryor Mountain mustang range are eager to spot Cloud, the pale stallion that has brought much attention to the area. He is featured in a number of books and film documentaries tracing his life from foal to band stallion.

steep and rugged route takes you through dense trees and into open alpine meadows. Without the proper tires, drivers are guaranteed a flat tire as vehicles must navigate rock slabs. This is not a place where you want to get stuck!

The easier access to the range is by Hwy. 37, a paved route into the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This is the high desert, a mosaic of pink and rosyred rock and broad flats that creep up to the Bighorn Mountains. A number of horses often gather at the entrance to the preserve, at Crooked Creek Bay. Further on, horses can often be spotted on Mustang Flats.

There are a few rules in place to protect you and the horses: photography is encouraged, but take a long lens as being any closer than 100 feet is prohibited. Feeding or encouraging the horses to come

closer is not allowed. This maintains wild behaviour and is also for safety as protective stallions can kick up quite a fuss at intruders, whether it be a person or another stallion looking to steal mares.

If a photography trip is to your liking, check out the web site of Lynne Pomeranz (www.lynnepomeranz.com), who has written about and extensively photographed the herd. She offers Pryor Mustang photo workshops, June 27-30.

Recommended accommodation is at the Horseshoe Bend Motel in Lovell. Owners Joe and Jo Ann Anderson are big fans of the wild horses and love to hear visitors’ tales of spotting the steeds. The lobby is essentially a cosy living room. Book early if you intend to go in June or July.

When planning your trip, put aside a couple of days, as it

is more relaxing to spend a day on the mountain (and depending on the season and time of day you may have to do some hiking to find the horses), and then another day in the desert region.

Take appropriate clothing, as temperatures can soar during the day but drop low at night.

Outer wear is particularly important on the mountain, as it can be windy, with abrupt weather changes. And like any wilderness environment, be aware of wildlife. Bears and cougars also live on the mountain, and there are rattlesnakes on the desert.

Any time spent with the Pryor Mustangs is magical, their history, beauty and majestic territory leaving lasting impressions.

For more information, go to website: www.pryormustangs. org. t

photo by wendy dudley

A lone bachelor stallion makes his way up the steep and rocky slopes of East Pryor Mountain. The horses are small and hardy, their hooves tough from the miles logged each day in search of food and water.

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This mare has the distinctive primitive markings, or stripes, on her legs, typical of the true Spanish mustangs.

10

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Going down the trail Places and events of interest

By Heather Grovet

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ooking for something fun and different this summer. Wander down the trail and catch some of the action.

Alberta 1. Want to watch world class professional rodeo contestants compete against local boys? Come to High River, AB’s Guy Weadick Days and Chuckwagon Races June 22-24, 2012. This fun and family-friendly rodeo is operated by enthusiastic local volunteers who brag — “If you stand against the fence for the chuckwagon races you’re going to feel the dirt on your face. And if you watch the rodeo you’ll be so close you’ll almost feel as though you’re on the horse!” Rodeo events begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by chuckwagon races, and then bull riding under the lights. 403-652-3336 2. Consider the Canadian Girls Rodeo Association at Hanna, AB on July 7, 2012 for a fun, low-key and family friendly rodeo. It isn’t unusual to see mother, daughter and grandmother riding together at a CGRA rodeo, competing in traditional events such as barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping. Plus there are extra events such as pole bending, cow riding, goat tying and steer undecorating. Contestants might be as young as nine, with others remaining competitive into their 70s. Hanna is the association’s oldest rodeo, starting 55 years ago. Many of their current volunteers were contestants themselves half a century earlier. 403-625-4518 3. The small town of Killam, AB, hosts their 41st Indoor Rodeo June 15-16, 2012, offering activities for the entire family, whether rain or shine. Lakeland Rodeo Association competitions run both Friday and Saturday evening, with a “Dance on the Dirt” Saturday night. Sample cowboy cooking Friday evening at the Chili Cook Off; proceeds to Wild Pink Yonder. Saturday morning brings the Rodeo Parade on main street, followed by the Show, Shine and Cruise (Open for cars, trucks, bikes and tractors). Saturday’s rodeo Street Fair has family activities including dunk tank, bounce house, train rides and hose laying competitions. 780-385-3977 4. The Medicine Lodge Rodeo near Edson, AB, is a must-see.

This year’s rodeo runs May 11-13, 2012 and is approved by the Wildrose Rodeo Association.

You can expect all the traditional professional rodeo events, as well as a host of out-of-the-ordinary activities. Watch Friday’s all-girl events including barrel racing, cow riding, pole bending and bloomer race. Or enjoy the youth’s miniature horse race or stick race. If that isn’t enough, they have a dance, pancake breakfasts, cowboy church, horse show, lawn tractor races, Rocky Mountain Musical Ride, and clown, Squirrelly Early Anderson, whose hilarious activities include the “hairiest leg” contest! 780-723-6848

10 great hometown rodeos to check out Western action, small-town fun, and family-friendly entertainment Saskatchewan 5. Come cheer on the Biggest Little Rodeo in the West at Consul in southwest Saskatchewan on August 4-5, 2012. This rodeo won the Tourism Award of Excellence in 2011, and is sanctioned by the Canadian Cowboys Association.

A full range of professional rodeo events occur both days, plus you’ll clap for aspiring riders as they compete in the Rookie Roughstock events. And Saturday offers a Kid’s Rodeo with sheep riding, dummy roping and chuckwagon races (one kid in the wagon, four kids performing as horses!) A tarp auction for the youth chuckwagons, pancake breakfast and free camping complete the fun. 306-299-4411 6. In 1938 the town of Swift Current, SK, held their first rodeo, naming it Frontier Days.

The entire town was encouraged to dress Western, and unique events such as beard growing contests were held. Frontier Days has steadily grown, and now is a full sized regional rodeo and fair that still retains its down-home, Western heritage. Running June 28 to July 1, 2012, you can enjoy their professional rodeo as well as Canada Day Parade (held the day BEFORE Canada Day!), light horse and draft horse shows, ranch horse competitions, 4-H clinics and competitions, midway, grandstand show and talent stage. 306-773-2944 7. If you enjoy history, attend the Wood Mountain Stampede July 6-8, 2012 in southern Saskatchewan. This rodeo claims to be “Canada’s oldest continuous rodeo,” and was started 123 years ago, exceeding

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trick bike demonstrations. This year the IPE has applied to the Guinness Book of Records to have the most people wearing a fascinator (small hat) so come be part of the record! 250-5469406 9. The Quesnel Rodeo’s roots go back to the 1860s when cowboys drove thousands of cattle from the United States into British Columbia’s Cariboo to feed hungry miners. This event, now rated as one of Western Canada’s largest amateur rodeos, runs July 20-22, 2012, and has a reputation for

Rodeo so close you’ll almost feel you’re on the horse.

even the Calgary Stampede! The event features a Little Britches rodeo on Friday, plus Canadian Cowboy Association slack and a cabaret. Catch the CCA rodeo on Saturday and Sunday underneath a brush covered grandstand. When in the area you can tour Wood Mountain Post Historic Site, or visit the Rodeo Ranch Museum containing Western and rodeo artifacts dating back to the 1870s. 306-2664539

British Columbia 8. Armstrong, B.C. has retained the hometown rodeo feel in their Interior Provincial Exhibition held August 29 September 2, 2012. Rodeo tickets are only $11/person, and the CPRA Rodeo’s enthusiasm and friendliness is personified by announcer Randy Corley, who makes it feel “as though he is sitting right next to you!” Later catch the mini chuckwagon races, West Coast Lumberjack show, Native dancing and drumming, livestock shows, and

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

being entertaining and family friendly. Enjoy the typical rodeo events including bull riding, roping and steer wrestling, plus catch the youth events, including the Children’s Wild Pony Race (one pony and three kids!)

To add to the fun there’s a barn dance, pancake breakfast and Billy Barker Days Parade. 250249-5170 10. Only 12 miles from Victoria, B.C. is the city of Langford which hosts the Luxton Pro Rodeo, Vancouver Island’s last remaining rodeo. This CPRA and PRCA rodeo occurs May 19-21, 2012, and is totally run by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Enjoy the professional rodeo events such as barrel racing and saddle bronc riding, plus the fun youth events such as mutton bustin’ or the mutton scramble. Coppertown Clown and Barrelman Bert Davis add a touch of humour to the rodeo, plus there are carnival rides, an antique car show, live music and blacksmith demonstrations. 250-478-4250 t

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photo credit: guy weadick rodeo

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Young guns Up and coming stars

By Heather Grovet

I

f you were a full-time college student, would you still find time to horseback ride?

Sisters Holly and Brittany Schuk not only managed to regularly climb aboard their horses during the school year, they also managed to compete at the top level of the Canadian College Rodeo circuit, with both girls winning awards for 2012.

Holly Schuk, now 21 years old, is a full-time student at Lakeland College. She recently won the Canadian College Rodeo circuit title of “All-round Cowgirl,” given to the woman with the most accumulated points on the circuit.

“This year I competed in five events at ten shows using two horses,” Holly explains. “I barrel raced and pole bended on a sorrel mare named Judy. And I rode a gelding named Paint in team roping, break-away roping and goat tying.”

To achieve these accomplishments Holly practiced three nights a week on both horses, plus rode every weekend, either practicing or at a rodeo. (Actually, Holly rode three horses each of those nights, but we’ll come back to that in a moment.)

Holly also won the CCR title “Cowgirl of the Year.” This title is awarded to the cowgirl most showing the attributes of good sportsmanship, horsemanship and cooperation. A perfect example of Holly’s sportsmanship involves her sister, Brittany.

“Brittany attended NAIT in Edmonton, and couldn’t keep her Quarter Horse, Stormy, nearby,” Holly says. “So Stormy lived with me, and I rode him during

Awww Schuks: BC cowgirls take home top awards Six sisters carving out rodeo and ranching careers the week to help keep him fit.”

(Hence the three horses Holly rode each week.)

This system might not have been ideal, but it obviously worked as 25-year-old Brittany Schuk won the CCFR 2012 “Breakaway Roping” title competing on Stormy.

“Brittany deserved her win,” Holly says. “She’s a good rider and she works hard. And many people don’t know the whole story — several years ago Brittany and our older sister, Patricia were in a car accident. Patricia lost her leg, and Brittany had her pelvis broken in four places. This left nerve damage to Brittany’s hips and legs. Some people would have just stopped riding, but Brittany kept going. Actually, Patricia still rides as well, but now she’s married and working full-time so her rodeo life has really slowed down.”

The Schuk family also has three younger sisters; 16-yearold Katie, 13-year-old Jennifer, and nine-year-old Sidney. The younger girls still live with their parents in British Columbia, and are keeping the family traditions of ranch riding and cattle work. Holly says all three are good riders, but only time will tell if they follow in their older sister’s footsteps.

The girls all learned to sit a horse at an early age. Brittany recalls winning her first belt buckle at a local gymkhana when she was six; Holly was also well mounted at a similar age. “Both our parents competed at rodeo so it just seemed to come natural to us,” Brittany says.

“My mom still competes at barrel racing, team roping, steer undecorating and goat tying.

And my dad has done a bit

PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE COPEMAN

BC sisters Holly and Brittany Schuk competing in team roping at the Canadian College Finals Rodeo at Northlands in Edmonton this past March.

of everything; he’s calf roped, team roped, steer wrestled and even rode saddle broncs. Once in a while I’ve thought of trying

“…it feels like a real achievement when you get your horse to the top of his event.”

— HOLLY SCHUK

something different with horses.

Ranch horse competitions or cowboy mounted shooting would probably suit me, and I’ve even thought of trying English!

But rodeo events are in my

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Talking back Reader feedback – Send yours to: craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com • Just a note to say that both my wife & I are impressed with your April issue of Horses All. We’re glad to see more interesting “story” articles, and not every second page is on how to train your horse for the umpteenth time. Having been in the Western industry for years, it’s good to read about people I know, such as Gena LaCoste.

Keep up the good work.

John & Marilyn Scotton, Langley, BC via e-mail • I really like the content — the focus on the local community and local stories are great. I think Horses All is becoming a great resource for people to connect with each other, hear local stories, and become more involved within the horse community. The front cover featuring local artists is a great way for the artists to create awareness as well as providing Horses All with a nice cover Robyn Moore via e-mail

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can crawl onto a horse!” Brittany laughs. “Rodeo is a lot of work, but we really enjoy it. I was really proud of Stormy this year. He’s a good rope horse and likes to hunt the cow. And because he’s easy to

pattern, he’s really got a good start on pole bending. It takes a special horse to do the different events, and I think Stormy is going to be one of those. I didn’t have as much time to practice as I’d have liked, but there is nothing more enjoyable than riding a good horse, and seeing him progress.”

Holly agrees. “I love rodeo, I love competing, and I love being with my horses,” she says. “There is so much to getting a horse ready to compete, and it feels like a real achievement when you get your horse to the top of his event.

I don’t think I’ll quit rodeo for a long, long time.” 

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blood, and I expect I’ll be doing them for many more years.”

“I think Holly and I will keep rodeoing together as long as we

Just some of the 146 comments on our Facebook page about the painting Morning Glory that graced our March front cover: • This is without a doubt amazing!!!! Love the intense look, and all that mane!

Teresa Morrow • Stunning! What’s not to like?

I will definitely be sharing and crossing my fingers.

Victoria Imrie

• Beyond Beautiful!

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Woodlawn Farms on the cutting edge of breeding world-class jumpers

A breed apart

Olympic champion Hickstead’s genes prominent with Alberta breeder

Horse breeder profile

By Robyn Moore

S

ince Eric Lamaze and Hickstead won the individual gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, Hickstead’s semen has been available for North American breeders.

Many breeders balked at the $5,500 per dose price tag but Sharon and Bruce Telford at Woodlawn Farms jumped at the chance.

“I had been watching Hickstead from the time that Eric first showed him at Spruce Meadows, and had called Torrey Pines Stables yearly asking when they would have him available for stud. I was very excited when that day came,” says Sharon.

In the few years that Hickstead’s semen was available, less than 100 foals were sired by him, and only a handful of them were bred in North America.

“There were not many foals born here in North America, only six, I believe in the two years that he was available here for breeding.

This surprised me, if you are raising jumping horses why not breed to the best there is. Most people had said they didn’t know what the foals he would put on the ground would be like, but there has to be somebody to go first, and I am so thankful that I was in that group,” says Sharon.

Sharon and Bruce had two foals by Hickstead: Fort Knox

WF and Gallup WF. Sharon comments, “His foals are remarkable, absolutely stunning and I have great hopes for them both.” Eric Lamaze bought Fort Knox WF and Gallup WF was sold to Gallup WF Syndicate.

Wo o d l a w n F a r m s b r e e d s European Warmbloods including Hanoverian and Dutch, as well as Canadian Warmbloods for the discipline of jumping. They are located 45 minutes east of Edmonton on a 200 acre farm outside of Tofield.

When Sharon and Bruce began breeding in 2001, they bred Quarter Horses because Bruce competed in cutting, Warmbloods because their daughter did show jumping and Paints because Sharon likes colour.

Now, however, they focus strictly on Warmbloods.

“I like to be on the cutting edge of the breeding program,” says Sharon. “I had followed Beezie Madden and Judgement and when Iron Spring Farm had him available for stud I bred my favourite Dutch mare to him and had a filly that was in his first foal crop. I had bred to his father Consul a couple of times until Judgement himself was available. Again very, very nice foals.”

Woodlawn Farms is home to 30 horses but in the past they have had over 60. They name their foals after places and add WF for Woodlawn Farms to be able to track their careers.

photo credit: amanda ubell

Fort Knox WF sired by the great Hickstead and raised at Woodlawn Farms In Alberta was recently purchased

by Olympic champion Eric Lamaze

“When breeding a mare we research the [sire’s] pedigrees and also look at action shots and their conformation,” says Sharon. “How do they use their back end, do they have any characteristics that we want to improve on, and then try and match it with one of our mares.”

“Last year I bred two mares to Flexible, Rich Fellers amazing

R E COG NI ZE D P R OG R AMS

chestnut mount. That was also his first year to the general public. This year we have a Tinka’s Boy foal coming. This will be the first one bred in Canada.”

This year, three new foals will be born at Woodlawn Farms. The most they have had in one year is 11 foals. “Foaling season is very exciting. It is like Christmas in springtime. You don’t know what

you’re getting until the surprise arrives,” says Sharon. t Robyn Moore is the Manager of Horse Industry Association of Alberta. If you own or know of an exceptional horse breeding operation, email rmoore@albertahorseindustry. ca, and we’ll chose one that stands out from the herd to feature each month.

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Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. Home of Equinology and Caninology Canada 13

Our way of life

Iconic maker of the white cowboy hat still going strong

Making a living with horses

Smithbuilt Hats almost as old as the Calgary Stampede

By Cindy Bablitz

T

he cowboy hat is as iconic a symbol of the western way of life as the horse itself, and in Calgary, the white hat stands as an indisputable hallmark of the city’s civic and western pride.

So, it’s not without a touch of nostalgia that Bryce Nimmo, president and majority shareholder, (along with five other partners) of Smithbilt Hats celebrates the Calgary Stampede’s centennial year just seven years before the company that grew up with this city’s iconic exhibition of the western way of life celebrates its own.

“Smithbilt was founded in Calgary in 1919 by Morris Shumiatcher who, I guess, thought “Smith” would be the easier name to recall and endure the test of time,” grins Bryce.

“Smithbilt stayed a family run business for over 80 years, until it was sold in the year 2000 to the company’s long time accountant. Sadly, he unexpectedly passed away just six months after buying the business he’d served so devotedly, and eventually the company changed hands again, a couple times, before I was called in as a business consultant.”

Like the Remington razor man, Bryce loved the product so much he bought the company. After almost two decades in commerce and marketing with Prudential Steel, Bryce grins that he was ready “to try to be quarter cowboy... or maybe half.”

Smithbilt, for all the iconic notoriety, for all the renown, still operates humbly, with just seven employees out of a 6,500 square foot warehouse and retail shop in Calgary’s trendy Inglewood.

Bryce nods to the trilateral companionship of the City of Calgary, the Calgary Stampede and the icon of the white hat — synonymous with the Calgarian identity — as largely responsible for Smithbilt’s enduring success.

Hollywood had a hand too.

Smithbilt Hats have been favoured and featured by movie and TV pro-

ducers working on settings in and around Calgary, from Unforgiven and Brokeback Mountain to Lonesome Dove and Heartland.

This year, some 65,000 Smithbilt Hats will find their way to local and tourist heads as Smithbilt is, of course, the official supplier of cowboy hats commemorating the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial.

The first white cowboy hat was made in 1926 by Morris himself, out of rabbit felt, and was launched as Calgary’s trademark during a public relations tour by then Mayor Don Mackay in 1949.

Today, the now infamous white hat is still made of rabbit felt, as recently gifted to the visiting monarch couple, William and Kate, but can also be had in canvas, straw and wool.

White hats have been gifted to celebrities as diverse as former New York Mayor Rudy Giullani, the Dalai Lama, Mario Andretti, Oprah Winfrey and Vladimir Putin. This little symbol of the western lifestyle, and Calgary’s civic hospitality, have gone a long way to sustaining the Smithbilt legacy.

Bryce says, “We want Smithbilt Hats to be the place for hat buying in Calgary. And we sell more than white hats, (black is actually the most popular cowboy hat colour) and more than cowboy hats ... we sell fedoras and top hats and bowlers and derbys, dressage hats and scout hats. The fedora is making a huge comeback right now.”

photo credit: bryce nimmo

Graduates from the Webber Academy in Calgary celebrate with their Smithbuilt white hats.

To compete with the worldwide market, (most hats of any ilk are imported), Bryce wants the Calgary-based Smithbilt Hats to be just that much more special.

Smithbilt hat buyers can enjoy the rare experience of custom hat tailoring at Smithbilt’s retail location, with professional hat fitting to fit the particular nuances of their own head and face shape... an investment that can last a lifetime.

No two heads are exactly the same shape, and custom fitting takes into consideration the little crooked in your brow line, in your nose position on the face, in the ovalness of your head shape.

Personalized pride of service brought Smithbilt a long way so far... and looks to carry it a long way forward yet.

By Equine Canada Equine Canada announces the 2012 Olympic Dressage Team: Games Support Staff • Chef d’Equipe - Gina Smith • Team Veterinarian - Dr. Geoff Vernon • Technical Leader - Mr. Markus Gribbe

Dressage Selection Committee • Wendy Christoff - Dressage Canada Board Representative • Pauline Bosman - High Performance Committee Representative • Liz Steacie - Rider Representative • Roberta Morris - Rider Representative • Markus Gribbe - Technical Leader • Dr. Geoff Vernon - FEI Veterinarian Non-Voting

The following rider/horse combinations have declared for the 2012 Olympic Games:

14

For more information on Smithbilt Hats, surf to www.smithbilthats.com. To select a white hat or fedora of your own, saunter in to their Calgary location at 1103-12th Street S.E.

photo credit: bryce nimmo

After being cut from the appropriate felt, this hat is now being formed into one of the numerous styles offered by Smithbuilt.

photo credit: bryce nimmo

Smithbuilt employee shapes a new cowboy hat after being steamed.

2012 Olympic Dressage Team

1. Christilot Boylen - Dio Mio

When Smithbilt turns centenarian, in 2019, you can bet on one hell of a party. t

2. Jacquie Brooks - D Niro 3. Jacquie Brooks - Gran Gesto 4. Ute Busse - Lindor’s Finest 5. Lorraine Chappell - Carpatino 6. Diane Creech - Devon L 7. Shannon Dueck - Ayscha 8. Susanne Dutt-Roth - Rheirattack 9. Tom Dvorak - Viva’s Salieri W 10. Tom Dvorak - Corrigan 11. Pia Fortmuller - Orion 12. Rebecca Garrard - Och Heden 13. Ashley Holzer - Breaking Dawn 14. Ashley Holzer - Pop Art 15. Jill Irving - Degas 12 16. Jill Irving - Delvaux 17. Stephanie Jensen - Addiction 18. Rochelle Kilberg - Rudy 19. Crystal Kroetch - Lymrix 20. Alexandra Lampe (formerly Wilson) De La Vega 21. Megan Lane - Caravella 22. Janine Little - Dominic LHF 23. Nancy MacLachlan - Deniros Tyme 24. David Marcus - Don Kontes 25. David Marcus - Chrevi’s Capital

26. Karen Pavicic - Don Daiquiri 27. Joni Lynn Peters - Travolta 28. Sarah Sjoholm-Patience - Desiderata 29. Evi Strasser - Action Tyme 30. Evi Strasser - Quantum Tyme 31. Evi Strasser - Renaissance Tyme 32. Lindsay Stroh - Lancelot 33. Belinda Trussell - Anton 34. Gary Vander Ploeg - Degas 35. Gary Vander Ploeg - Cezanne 36. Victoria Winter - Proton 37. Penny Zavitz-Rockx - Verdi De La Fazenda The first serious attempt to include riding as an Olympic discipline was made by a group of Swedish officers led by Count Clarence Von Rosen. He appealed to Baron de Coubertin at the IOC meeting in 1906 and, as a result, he was asked by the Baron to draft an Olympic equestrian program.

This was then subsequently presented to the Olympic Congress at the Hague in 1907 and was accepted for the 1908 Games to be held in London.

However, when the Organizing Committee received the entries from 88 riders from eight nations, it took fright and backed down. Fortunately, the next Games of 1912 were awarded to Stockholm and the equestrian Olympic program proposed by Count Van Rosen was readily accepted.

In the autumn of 1911, the invitations were sent out to the military departments and to the National Olympic Committees.

The Three-day Event (Eventing) was limited to officer entries but the jumping and dressage competitions were open to civilians. The first Equestrian participation at the Olympics saw 62 competitors from 10 nations with 70 horses involved in the competitions, but they were all officers...

With the advent of the Olympic Games, it soon became clear that internationally recognized rules for the three Olympic disciplines were becoming essential. Eventually in May 1921 delegates from 10 national equestrian organizations met in Lausanne to discuss the formation of an international federation.

In many ways, the Olympics were a tremendous impetus and pre-cursor to the creation of the FEI and the world wide development of horsesport. t www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Leonard Finstad: Homeward bound

A legacy of faith, family, and friends

Celebrating lives lived

Southeast Alberta rancher was an “animal whisper”

By Cindy Bablitz

I

n a culture obsessed with the rhinestone shine of celebrity worship, it’s easy to forget the unsung heroes who lived simply, loved humbly and served quietly. But, it’s precisely those unsung heroes who create the very warp and weft of our community fabric on which everything else we do hinges.

Leonard Finstad was one of those men.

He lived into his 80th year, sustaining a family legacy that predated him by two generations... and with Leonard as the proverbial link in the chain, at least another two generations are still thriving on the family cattle ranch, “big enough to keep us busy,” laughs Leonard’s daughter Shari Reimer, south of Manyberries.

The ranch is a family affair, operated by Shari and her husband Mel, her brother Lee and his wife Lynette along with Leonard’s brother Norman and his wife Barb, and their son Steven and his wife Michelle. Leonard’s beloved wife of 50 years, Helen, also still lives on the ranch. Leonard and Helen’s eldest child, their daughter Dianne writes for Horses All and has been a radio and TV personality in Alberta in agricultural and rodeo circles for 30 years.

Though he grew up on the very ranch to which he would come to devote the remainder of his days to, it was actually Leonard’s brother who was originally destined to take over the ranching homestead. Leonard went off to bible college.

“He was thinking of becoming a minister,” says Shari, “But he often joked that he couldn’t get his mind around Greek and Hebrew.”

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, the elder Finstads began needing more help from the younger generation, and, when Leonard’s brother found himself drawn elsewhere, Leonard and his new bride returned to the Pendant d’Oreille ranch.

Like father, like son. Lee left the ranch where he was raised to pursue an aviation career. After 13 years, the young pilot found himself pulled back to the homestead ranch, where he likewise intends to live out the rest of his days.

“What’s that old saying? You can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy,” grins Lee. Leonard instilled in his children a love for life’s simple pleasures. When you ask Dianne, Shari and Lee about the legacy their father left them, each hesitates.

The inheritance of their father’s legacy is deeply imbedded, so much a part of the children he raised, the question of it is met with some of the same disposition one might expect a fish to have toward water. Leonard’s way was humble, and everything about his way of life was lived with the surefootedness of a man who walked as though no one was watching.

“He had a real love for people, a real easy way with everyone,” says Dianne, “And so he told us to be interested in others... this is why he was so well respected and loved in so many circles, and this is what started my early interest in broadcasting.”

Shari recalls, “I would describe him as someone who had a way with animals. He could calm them down. He was kind of like the horse whisperer. We used to call him that, the cattle whisperer, the dog whisperer, the cat whis-

photo credi: lee finstad

One highlight for Len Finstad was participating with family members in the 1996 Western Stockgrowers Centennial Cattle Drive across CFB Suffield in southern Alberta.

Leonard Finstad and with his daughter Dianne ride the open prairie on their ranch near Pendant d’Oreille in southeast Alberta

perer... long before it was trendy to call that.”

Lee says, “He liked a good looking animal, whether it was a Hereford bull or a good horse.

He had a patience with animals, and he taught us kids that too. He said, ‘It’s amazing how they can pick up what you’re emoting: if you’re stressed, or anxious, they’ll reflect that. It’s better to work around them quietly.’

“Dad enjoyed the simplicities of his life. There was nothing he liked better than a fresh, spring day. The green grass, the red and white cows on the pasture, his family working around him.”

In the ease and gentle manner of Lee’s speech, you can hear Leonard’s bequest.

He says, “Just by living and

enjoying his own life, Dad taught us to enjoy our own lives, to enjoy what we’re doing. Whether it was harvest time, or he was repairing a fence, or cleaning corrals, my dad took the time to appreciate nature’s beauty. He’d stop to look at the sunset, or to watch a young animal loping across the pasture.”

Dianne remembers, “Dad really appreciated every day; he savoured every moment, and that was a lesson for all of us.”

Lee adds, “You could tell this is what he wanted to do. He wasn’t pining for another life.”

Leonard was the kind of man you wanted as a neighbour. And the few who did enjoy that privilege, knew it was one.

“At his funeral, I got to talking

photo credi: lee finstad

to a lot of his friends, from his past. They really appreciated dad as a friend and neighbour,” Lee remembers.

“We’re losing the term neighbour today,” Lee laments, not without gratitude for being shown what being a neighbour really ought to be.

Leonard Finstad, beloved husband of Helen, devoted father to Dianne, Shari and Lee, esteemed uncle, neighbour, volunteer, friend, was salt of the earth, and lived a good life, from Saturday, September 26, 1931 to Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Rest in peace. t Contact us if you have a friend or family member that you would like remembered craig.couillard@fbcpublishing.com

INNISFAIL

AUCTION MARKET

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15

Going down the trail Places and events of interest

A

re you wondering what to do with your kids this summer? Maybe you are thinking of something for your grandchild.

Kids and camp go together like peanut butter and jam. Throw in a horse and they will have a summer to remember. Check out these 10 great summer horse camps 1. Circle Square Ranch is a Christian, non-denominational youth camp near Halkirk, AB. This Western themed camp offers swimming, archery, canoeing and mountain bikes. Horseback riding is a popular activity with each camper getting at least an hour per day on their assigned horse. In the “Teepee Village Camps” riders work on horsemanship at an introductory level, taking basic one-on-one riding lessons, plus enjoy beginner trail rides. The “Western Town Camps” have a more advanced horsemanship program which includes daily lessons, and formal testing and awards at the end of the week. 403-884-2444

“Leave a stronger rider than you came.”

2. West Winds Riding Centre near Balzac, AB, offers English riding lessons and camps “in a positive and rewarding way.” Summer camps host a maximum of ten campers each week, allowing personalized instructions from their Equine Canada certified instructor.

Students between the ages of eight to 16 may attend, enjoying either their beginning camps for those with minimal riding experiences, or the intermediate camps for riders who have had prior lesson. The camp is proud of their excellent safety record, and promises that “Campers will leave with a respect for the hard work, dedication and fun involved with horses!” 403690-6314 3. If you’re interested in improving your partnership with your horse, consider attending one of Doug Mills’ summer camps at Kamloops, B.C. Mills, a professional trainer and clinician, runs camps for youth and adults in June, July and August. During camp Mills will coach students in his “Training through Trust” program. Riders of all skill levels and disciplines will learn about horse psychology, and how they think. Campers can bring their own equines, or the facility has trained horses for use. Prices include meals and your horse’s board. 250-319-8921 4. Bridle Path Ranches (recently changed from Wildhorse Mountain Ranch) hosts riding camps for girls aged 12 to 17 all season long, with their busiest times being the summer months. Wildhorse has two main types of summer camps. The “Great Cowgirl Experience” occurs at their home ranch near Rocky Mountain House, AB. Here girls ride on the range on ranch horses, enjoy the outdoors and learn more about equines. Then there is the “Rocky Mountain Cowgirls Camp,” where experienced riders spend several days in

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10 summer horse camps to send your kids English or Western horsemanship combined with other fun camp activities the heart of the mountains near Nordegg. Both camps offer an international flare, with girls from many different countries attending. 403-729-2910 5. Copper T Warmbloods near Saskatoon, SK, runs spring and summer camps using certified instructors for both adult and young riders. The four day “Introduction to Riding Camp” is perfect for first time horse enthusiasts, while the “Intermediate Week Long Summer Camp” suits a rider with some experience. Both types of camp offer two riding lessons each day, working on either dressage or jumping, plus teach stable management, horse and equipment care, and horsemanship.

“Adult Weekend Camps” allow riders to bring their own horse, or use one of the stable’s well broke mounts. 306-242-5099 6. Boys and girls aged eight to 15 looking for a real Western experience should consider Bates Bar J Ranch located near Cochrane, AB. The Bates Bar J Ranch celebrates its 51st camping season this year where youth can “participate in real ranch life.” The ranch’s herd of registered Quarter Horses, Paints and Percherons are used in their program, allowing campers to learn riding, grooming, feeding and care of equines. They also offer swimming in a natural pool in a creek, fishing, games, campfires, crafts and wilderness survival. “We want to promote good fellowship and an appreciation of outdoor beauty”. 403-637-2199 7. Blarney Stone Farms near Spruce Grove, AB, offers training and lessons for youth and adults in a competitive jumping program.

The farm also hosts summer camps each year in July and August for riders in all levels of experience that are at least six years of age.

Riders attend camp Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a fun show at the end of the week to demonstrate their new skills.

Each camper will receive two hours of daily riding instruction, plus lessons in every aspect of horse care. 780-470-0581 8. For the opportunity to take your child’s personal horse to camp, consider Digger’s Place near Smoky Lake, AB. This youth camp offers five-day camp programs throughout the summer for children ages seven to 19, using either English or Western disciplines. It also has programs to suit children with special needs or disabilities. Campers can use

PHOTO CREDIT: WILDERNESS MOUNTAIN RANCH

Campers riding in the mountains with Wilderness Mountain Ranch.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER GROVET

A good youth summer riding camp will provide children a chance to ride a safe, well trained horse under careful supervision, and therefore improve their riding skills while having a lot of fun!

the school horses, or bring their own if they’d prefer. Daily riding and lessons on all aspects of horse care will be covered. “This camp can be helpful for families considering buying or leasing a horse of their own”. 780-358-2388 9 . S w e e t Ta l k S t a b l e s a t Chestermere, AB, offers two different summer camps this year.

Their “Beginner/Intermediate Riding Day Camp” runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides children two riding lessons plus two ground lessons each day. Instructions cover

safety, horse body language, grooming, tacking up, and horse care. Then there is Sweet Talk’s “Hunter Jumper Camp,” also running Monday to Fridays 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m., with lessons on what a judge wants to see, types of fences, and show preparation. Both camps conclude with a show for parents on Friday. 403-207-3353 10. For a camp experience that includes horses plus much more, consider Foothills Camp near Bowden, AB. Foothills is a non-profit Christian camp that runs youth and family camps

throughout the summer with activities such as horsemanship, advanced horsemanship, water ski/wakeboarding, BMX bikes, high ropes and swimming. Your child can attend these general camps, or attend the “Horsemanship Specialized Camp” for riders 13-17 who already know the basics but want to improve their skills and knowledge. At the Horsemanship Camp your child will spend four days improving their riding, and “leave a stronger rider than you came.” 877-228-1175 

PHOTO CREDIT: THINKSTOCK.COM

PHOTO CREDIT: WILDERNESS MOUNTAIN RANCH

There are several summer camps in western Canada that offer an English riding experience.

In addition to instructional riding, most camps allow time for recreational rides.

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

My tunes

Red Tail Lights

Time to chill

Music reviews

By Jake Mathews

Book and movie reviews

Reviewed by Jody Seeley

T

hey say “third times a charm,” and in the case of Jake Mathews... they are right. Album No. 3 is called Red Tail Lights and it’s his best yet. Nothing but great feedback and success has come since releasing this CD last year.

Country music has been Mathews career for the last 15 years but the first single to be released to radio from this CD “If I Had it My Way” was his first top 10 hit.

I joked when he was in my studio recently that the album is a “6 pack of awesome.” It really is! These six songs leave you wanting more.

Mathews co-wrote with a number of very talented writers on this project like David Thomson, Willie Mack, Deric Ruttan & Marv Green. He also

co-wrote and co-produced a couple tracks with Joel Feeney and Josh Osborne (writer) and Kevin Savigar. Mathews coproduced the rest of the album with his brother Gil Grand, which he tells me was fun to work with family.

So who would you say is Jake Mathews biggest musical influence? If you guessed — George Strait you would be right. Mathews says Strait was his first concert at 14 years old. From being home in Calgary with his son and wife to travelling the world (thanks to The Canadian Tourism Commission and The Calgar y Stampede), Mathews says his sources of inspiration are “always a work in progress.”

For the last few years, he’s had a publishing deal in

Nashville and has written over 100 songs. So there was a lot to choose from to make this CD. Plus his trips have taken him to Japan, New York, London England and Berlin.

Mathews has released three songs from the record to radio.

“Forever’s On Our Side” and “Might Take All Night” are heard on radio stations across Canada. Coming soon will be single No. 4 — the title track “Red Tail Lights.” You can find this CD anywhere — HMV, Walmart, Lammles or online.

You can find more details on the songs and his tour schedule at www.jakemathews.com or on Facebook.

Mathews headed back down to Nashville in April to start work on Record No. 4.

We can’t wait to hear what that will bring. 

My Tunes sponsored by

Listen to our Made in Alberta show Saturdays at 9 AM and Sundays at 4 PM.

Your Community Station

Riding Free Bitless. Bridleless. Bareback

by Andrea & Markus Eschbach With or without a bit, with or without a saddle, the foundation all riding is based on is the same: horses and people, being together. ~ Andrea & Markus Eschbach

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

M

ost equestrians have childhood memories of riding their horse bareback in the summertime, perhaps with only a halter and lead.

We recall many reasons for doing this, not the least of which might be the different body awareness, unity and connection with our horse that we experienced. Internationally renowned horsemanship trainers Andrea and Markus Eschbach kick this up several notches with Riding Free.

The book begins with groundwork and creating a solid relationship with your horse, using elements of the Tellington Method, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones. The Eschbachs refer to “mental collection,” a method of maintaining heightened awareness focused on your horse. They suggest bitless bridles, progressing to the use of a neck ring or no strap at all, always keeping safety in mind. Their belief is that any horse can be trained to be ridden free, without bridle, spurs or whip.

The benefits are clear — a more supple, balanced seat, improved performance and a partnership both horse and rider can enjoy. Most refreshing is that the Eschbachs are not selling special types of training equipment, as so many clinicians do, but simply suggest what has worked so well for them. Each chap-

ter is well laid-out and illustrated, with specific exercises for perfecting communication with your horse.

Riding Free appeals to anyone wanting a more harmonious relationship with a horse, whether beginner or seasoned rider, working with a problem horse or one who goes well under saddle. This may require a shift in old thinking and courage to try something new, but the results can take you places with your horse that, up until now, may have been only a dream.

Soft Cover, 2011, $22.95 Trafalgar Square Books ISBN: 9-781-57076-4844 Available on Amazon or Trafalgar Square Books.  Markus Eschbach is a social educator, riding teacher and horse trainer who has spent half his life in the saddle. Andrea Eschbach is a physiotherapist, Indian Riding teacher and horse trainer, experienced in multiple disciplines. Andrea and Markus teach in the training center ‘Farmers Place’ in Switzerland and in various European countries. Visit them at www.bitless-riding.com

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17

I did it my way Personal profile

By Cindy Bablitz

I

t used to be that we had the energy but not the time or money, but we’re now getting to a transition stage, wherein we have the time, and the money’s coming, but we’re slowing down on energy,” says Kathy Bartley, with a wry sigh.

Kathy and her husband Mike have been rescuing abandoned, neglected, abused or simply unwanted horses — and cows, rabbits and chickens... but mostly horses — since 2003.

The effort began initially in response to learning about the large numbers of foals being sent to slaughter in the overbreeding inherent in sustaining the (then thriving) PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) industry.

PMU enjoyed some three decades of infamous notoriety as a hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women or women who’ve had a hysterectomy... until research suspecting a link between PMU therapy and cancer began emerging. The use of PMU therapy reached

“

“I don’t know which is worse: the old horses we see at auction going to slaughter... or the young weanlings, perfectly healthy and sound foals going for meat” — Kathy Bartley

the height of its popularity in the late 1990s, when some 44 million women in the United States alone were using the prescription.

According to HorseAid’s literature, (www.Premarin.org) “A (PMU-farmed) filly foal has a less than one in ten chance of not going to slaughter; a colt foal, less than one in 50.” During the height of the PMU heyday, the industry was annually an $800 million business: an economic motivator that saw some 60,000 foals born annually with no purpose for their existence other than being a by-product of a burgeoning pharmaceutical industry.

In almost a decade of devotion, Kathy and Mike and their small team of volunteers working with Bear Valley Rescue near Sundre, AB, almost 400 horses have been adopted out to caring homes, and the couple still home some 100 rescued horses on their own and neighbouring farms.

Kathy says, “I can’t help it: when I see a horse, I see horses that I’ve known in them.”

When you ask her if she grew up with horses, she answers, “No. I didn’t get my first horse

18

Husband and wife team rescue 400 horses Bear Valley Rescue provides home for young and old horses alike till I was 11... and it took a lot of pestering.”

For Kathy and Mike, horses are loyal, honourable companion animals deserving of a dignified life, and death.

“I don’t know which is worse: the old horses we see at auction going to slaughter... nice horses who were probably someone’s pet at some point, who gave their lives serving people but now have no name and no value; or the young weanlings, perfectly healthy and sound foals going for meat simply because they were bred with no market to bear them,” she says.

“We went to the auction last September and bought 26 horses of which 20 were papered quarter horses weanlings, (or eligible to be papered)... perfectly healthy and desirable animals with nothing wrong with them, selling for $200 or $300, for meat.

“I don’t understand it... some people defend horse slaughter for meat, saying it’s a protein like any other, like cattle... but it’s not. Horse meat is a delicacy, like escargot... the starving masses can survive without it.”

Kathy says rescuing horses is a personal battle she never envisioned herself fighting. It wasn’t a crusade she sought out. But the grievances against the species we’ve domesticated as companion animals simply presented themselves, and out of the simplicity of their shared human compassion for horses, Kathy and Mike acted.

Kathy says she thinks we’ve lost some of our humanity when we view animals as having value only as a dollar figure.

She adds, “Like when government changed Fish and Wildlife to Sustainable Resource Development, implying that fish and wildlife only have a value dollar wise as a renewable resource in order to justify their existence. I’ve heard some people ask, for instance, about deer and elk, if you can’t hunt them then what good are they? Why do they have to be good?”

Often, the math of Mike and Kathy’s work make decisions complicated, to say the least. Older horses, who, for Kathy perhaps evoke the greater degree of compassion, respecting the dignity of a lifetime’s service, are more expensive to rescue from auctions: they’re heavier, and meat buyers pay by the pound.

“We end up saving more weanlings, because they’re sound, they’re easier to adopt out, and they don’t weigh as much as the older horses so they don’t fetch the same bidding competition.”

It’s a statement she makes with resignation evident in her voice. t If you’d like to learn more about Bear Valley Rescue, or to donate funds in support of their work, surf to www.bearvalleyab.org or phone 403-637-2708.

photo credit: kathy bartley

Kathy Bartley attending to one of the many rescued weanlings at Bear Valley Rescue.

photo credit: kathy bartley

Mike Bartley putting hay out for some of the 100 horses still at Bear Valley Rescue.

photo credit: kathy bartley

Weanlings purchased by Bear Valley Rescue at auction last fall, most of them purebred Quarter Horses. Many are available for adoption.

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Horse heroes Profiles of exceptional horses

By Heather Grovet

I

’ll bet there are a lot of people owning deaf horses who don’t suspect a thing,” Caroline Tester of Innisfail, AB, laughs. “I know this because I was one of those people.”

In 1990 Caroline attended a PMU sale, and came home with a flashy Paint weanling named Apaches Impression. The following spring Caroline brought the filly into the barn to begin preparing her for upcoming yearling show classes.

“That’s when I noticed something strange,” Caroline says. “The filly — we called her LS — was quiet and pleasant to be around, but there were several occasions when I entered the barn and really startled her. Her responses seemed unusual for such a sensible filly, so I tried to figure out what was going on. Eventually I saw the pattern. If I turned on the barn lights when I came into the building, the filly would raise her head to look at me. But if I kept the lights off, she seemed unaware of my presence until the last second. It was then that I finally determined LS was completely deaf.”

Caroline discovery was both shocking and discouraging. “Many horsemen gave me extremely negative comments,” she sighs.

“They said I’d never be able to ride the mare, and certainly wouldn’t

Hear today, gone tomorrow Deaf horse continues to show and compete be able to show her. But since I already owned LS, I just went ahead with her training. After all, what did I have to lose?”

Much to everyone’s surprise, the yearling was easy to train.

“Being deaf hardly seemed to be an issue,” Caroline says. “In fact, I even saw a few occasions when it was an advantage! Once we were at a show and the PA system began to screech loudly. The other yearlings went crazy, but LS just stood there calmly with a look on her face saying, ‘What’s wrong with you guys?’”

Before long the mare began to gain show points, competing and winning against a wide variety of un-handicapped horses.

“LS could do anything the others could do, and sometimes more,” Caroline says. “I owned her for five years, and in that time she earned points in halter, Hunter under Saddle, Western pleasure, reining, trail, showmanship, pole bending, barrel racing and horsemanship. In fact, LS eventually earned her Amateur APHA Championship — a real achievement where horses must earn a specific number of points in both halter and performance!”

“Showmanship was one of LS’s best classes,” Caroline says. “The mare really watched my body language, and she was very precise and responsive. LS knew whether

I wanted her to back or pivot or set up by the way I moved or stood.”

But the mare’s achievements didn’t stop in the APHA show pen. “We taught LS to drive at an early age,” Caroline says. “The only thing we had to do differently was drive her in an open bridle. Blinders didn’t work, probably because LS was dependent upon us for visual cues.”

As a three-year-old the mare competed in harness for Team Paint in the Battle of the Breeds at Spruce Meadows. That year Team Paint placed second overall, one of their most successful years.

Recent studies indicate that deafness in equines is associated with pigmentation alterations in the horse’s inner ear. Most deaf horses have a white face and at least one blue eye. It isn’t the colour of the outside of their ears that matters; it’s the pigment on the inside.

“But LS didn’t have white ears, and she didn’t have blue eyes,” Caroline says. “She was a sorrel overo, with one side of her looking like a true overo, and the other side looking more like a tobiano.

That’s the strange thing about equine deafness; you can’t assume which horses will have it, and which won’t. After all, the majority of horses with white faces and blue eyes can hear perfectly.”

After owning LS for five years,

photo credit: by caroline tester

Apaches Impression (LS) competed in driving at the age of three at the Battle of the Breeds at Spruce Meadows in the International Ring in front of a large audience.

Caroline sold the mare. Many years later she was able to trace the mare to another owner who lived near Calgary, and was competing in reining.

“I had a great visit with this new owner,” Caroline says. “I said ‘No one would even know LS is deaf, would they?’ And the woman stared at me like I was crazy. She’d owned LS for several years and didn’t even realize she couldn’t hear!”

Caroline states she wouldn’t hesitate to buy another deaf horse, if they had a personality

like LS. But she points out that every horse is an individual, with some deaf horses being wonderful, and others having issues.

“I had a friend who owned a deaf horse about the same time I had LS,” Caroline concludes.

“But my friend’s horse was really spooky. One day it panicked, ran through some trees, and put out its eye on a sharp branch. The horse had to be put down. So people can’t assume that every deaf horse is perfect, just like you can’t assume that about all hearing horses, either.” t

Jaz Poco Goldun Blue 1994 AQHA Grulla Stallion

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19

Colt Starting Part 3 Get a grip

Accept the human, accept the saddle

Ask the trainers

Glen also talks about his experience at the Road to the Horse 2012

By Glenn Stewart

A

s some of you may know, I have just returned from the Road To The Horse 2012, which is the World Championship of Colt Starting, an international colt starting team competition in Tennessee.

We had four hours, split into two sessions, to get a basically untouched three year old colt caught, taught to lead, pick up his feet, saddle and ride, walk, trot, canter, correct leads, weave through upright poles, a narrow alley way, over a tarp, over some jumps, push through some pool noodles, swing a rope, drag a log, open and close a gate, ride up on a narrow raised sidewalk, ring a bell and then into a water box. All this with roughly 6,000 people clapping and cheering! Our job was to help the horse prepare for all of this in 4 hours.

I was very honored and excited to be asked to be part of the Canadian representation. Jonathan Field (my teammate and good friend) and I prepared in one way or another for eight to ten months for the event.

Starting a young horse to ride in four hours was not new for me.

What was new was all the added distractions. We all had a time limit and we had to hit specific time requirements and be out of the pen for a certain amount of time, at a certain time.

We were meant to comment occasionally on what we were trying to do in the pen with our various techniques, as well as answer any questions the commentator might have, while you watched the clock and worked with your colt. The spectators were very supportive and attentive to everything we did, and clapped and cheered for the things they liked.

Watching your colt begin the process of learning to learn and finding his confidence from you is very exciting for me and never gets old. The challenge of staying in the pen mentally and sticking to the principles that you believe in regardless of the time limit, the crowd, the judges, what is happening in the other two round pens, the cameras and the interviews is some of the attractions or distractions that make it the exciting learning experience what it was.

The positive response and support from so many Canadians, Americans and other people from around the world that attended and made the trip down to Tennessee was amazing and overwhelming at times. All the work and preparation over the years and in the last ten months was worth every minute.

In this article, and the earlier articles, I write about some of the things I try to do and accomplish when starting a young horse.

If you have been along for the journey, we are into the third article on the subject of starting the young horse. In the first one we built the horse’s confidence and acceptance to various tools or stimulus and have the horse beginning to accept us on the ground.

We then started to ask the horse to move its feet for us and learn to begin accepting us as the leader in our little partnership of two. Up

20

until now, things were done all on the ground preparing for someday getting on the horse.

Someday is getting real close.

From the moment you have the young horse in the corral, to when you have done the ground work, saddled, mounted and had a little ride it can generally happen in about an hour to two hours depending on the horse and what the person knows.

A lot can go wrong in that hour or two but probably has went pretty well if you have gotten all the ground work started and are in the saddle on the horse. The information I have shared in the past two articles can be done repeatedly but each session we need to be looking for improvement and slowly adding to the list so your horse can stay fresh and interested. If you ask someone what is two plus two or the equivalent to your horse everyday, it will get boring very soon.

It’s May now, the weather is getting better, the colts are looking good and you are getting the itch to ride. The best person to start a young horse is a professional.

If I have engine problems I hire a mechanic, I could tinker away at it and I know a little bit about mechanics but I would likely make some mistakes, it will for sure take longer. With a piece of machinery if you make a mistake you can buy a new part and start again.

It is not quite the same with a living, breathing, thinking animal.

When you fix your car it is unlikely that we would get injured, but when you start a colt there is a very real possibility of it. If we miss, or don’t quite read the horse correctly, or have everything in place, they might have a little buck, runaway, or rear over backwards and numerous other things that can go wrong.

If the rider avoids injury, the horse can still end up with unnecessary brace, fears and complications, which isn’t any good either.

Now I’m not trying to scare anyone, just stating what should be obvious but does seem to escape some folks. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about and have either seen it or felt it, a runaway, bucked off or rear over.

Hopefully only seen it! Even if you manage to do a very good job and haven’t missed anything, they still can show their lack of interest in having a rider or saddle.

Having said that, the next step is to start preparing the horse for us getting off the ground and on their backs, which means more acceptance of the human. You can do some of this by bringing the horse alongside the fence where you are sitting and rub on the horse from both sides.

I also and more often jump up from the ground. At first only jumping alongside then rubbing, next jumping partially on and sliding off to finally laying across and rubbing the horse.

When the horse is calm and accepting and looks like he can handle it, you can jump up lay full length down the horse with your feet hanging over the hindquarters.

It’s best to do from both sides and be able to go up one side and right over to the other. Finally you could sit on your colt for a moment and then get off and do it again.

photo credit: glenn stewart

Glenn Stewart and Jonathan Field proudly carry the Canadian Flag at the Road to the Horse 2012 in Tennessee.

Once you have accomplished this small feat of athleticism and cardio workout it is time to start showing the horse the saddle pad and saddle. Anytime I take a break or give the horse a moment to think about what is going on, I try and have them rest by the saddle.

Allow the horse time to smell your saddle and pad before it is time to saddle. Then start by putting the pad on and off the horse. Don’t sneak the pad on and off, and you should take it on and off many times. Next comes the saddle, and hopefully you are very good at swinging a saddle into place before you try and do this with a young horse and their first saddling.

It is usually very straightforward and easy to do if the preparation has been done correctly. If the horse doesn’t stand quiet to saddle, something has been missed or over looked and you will need to back up and find the hole before continuing to saddle.

If all is well, then it is time to cinch up the saddle. This is a very touchy procedure. If you don’t get the saddle cinched on tight enough and the horse leaves and you don’t get him stopped, you can cause unmentionable amounts of damage to the horse.

If the saddle gets on the horses side or under their belly and they get running around the pen it takes countless hours to repair the fear and worry from the mistake.

Sometimes it can’t be repaired because they can get so scared that they run through fences and could break bones.

I personally never tie a young horse up to saddle. I want them to be able to stand quietly without tying them to anything. If I have to tie him, then I probably shouldn’t be trying to saddle him.

So before cinching. allow the horse time to feel the cinch without running the latigo through the cinch. Pull the cinch up against his girth with your hand and let it loose, then on and off again getting him used to the feel. Once you’ve got him ready, tighten the cinch and it is time to move the horse.

Sometimes this is when the feet get in the air and they try and get rid of the saddle. Don’t turn your back and walk off expecting them to lead quietly along. If they start to buck just try and keep them out of more trouble and allow them

photo credit: glenn stewart

Glenn Stewart jumps up on a young colt to allow the young horse to get the feel and weight of a rider.

to find out they are fine and it is a new feel that they will have to get used to.

If they don’t run off or buck, keep an eye on them and ask them to circle you which you have taught them earlier to see if you can get them moving freely with the saddle. This all is a very critical time and sometimes you move them a step and that’s all they can handle without bucking and you work up from there.

Give them a moment and ask for another step or two. Other times the first step happens and they drop their heads and do their best to buck the saddle off.

Once they are settled with the feel of the saddle, I find it very important to establish clear forward movement — walk, trot, and canter from the ground using techniques that you can use in the saddle when you’re mounted.

Too much around desensitizing takes the forward out of the horse, not enough desensitizing and you have a horse too scared to accept your guidance. Asking your horse to move and then turning them with the lead line too soon or often will also take the forward out of your horse.

It is also very important while on the ground doing the ground exercises to be sure that your horse softly and willingly gives to halter and lead. Being able to ask for your horses head and neck to bend from the saddle will have much to do with your ground work and the look, feel and success of your first ride.

Once they seem to be moving freely at the walk, then trot with the saddle. I like to walk along side pushing, then pulling on the horn to let them get used to the feel

of the saddle and cinch squeezing them. Then walk along and move the stirrups on both sides. If you can do this all at the trot that would even be better.

All this is to help build the horse’s confidence and acceptance of the new feel, sounds and movement of the saddle. Running along side, back behind the horn also lets the horse see you back closer to where you will be when you are riding.

Again all these suggestions are only as good as the skills of the person doing it. If done well it can really help prepare the horse for the next step, which will be mounting.

Is it necessary to do all this preparation? I didn’t used to know all this ground work and I would just get on as soon as the saddle was on. I got pretty good at riding bucking horses because I was getting lots of practice. Now I don’t ride bucking horses very well because most don’t buck. Good luck and see you next month.

To see the first two articles in this series please visit www.thehorseranch.com/articles/. t Glenn Stewart travels extensively conducting clinics, demonstrations, and colt starting sessions, and also offers Camps and a 3 month Horsemanship Course at his home The Horse Ranch, as well as the Horsemanship Learning Adventure Series. He rides 30-60 client horses per year, including young horses, restarts, challenging horses, and foundation training. Glenn is a former Champion of the Cowboy Up Challenge at the Calgary Stampede.

More information by calling 1 877 728 8987 or visiting www.thehorseranch.com

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Going in Style

the Fun Infused

Spring is Here

Alberta Jeweler Beth Broomfield created this necklace right here in the west. Stunning colours, creative design, and western feel ensure that you can wear this great necklace anywhere.

Find this great piece at Bernie Brown’s Boot Hill Galleries for $160.00. www.berniebrown.com

This charming necklace boasts a vintage inspiration brought out by designer Miss Magpie. The bird is eye catching in all light as the sparkles are fitted into trendy matt silver and the entire piece is free of nickel and lead, and is also hypoallergenic. This necklace set is also accompanied with little leaf earrings to match for $19.95 at Lammle’s Western Wear. www.lammles.com



PRE SE NTE D B Y



Just a Click Away

 La chik offe rs younger women the option to update their pendant as often as they wish with unlimited interchangeab le pendants.

These magnetized “clicks” ensure that the pendant you choose will rem ain in place until you wish to change it out. Pendants are available with many equine options, but you can also order a custom des ign such as your barn logo or other image dea r to your heart.

Available at HORSELiFE for $29.99 with one pendant, each additional ‘clic k’ is $6.99. www.horselifecanada.com

Originally Yours This piece was designed in house by Cowgirl Finesse. With a design that makes you certain summer's coming and stones that dazzle it is sure to make it onto your wish list. All of the stones used are mined in the USA and are 100% real. This piece is a one of a kind original, handmade just for you! Retailing at $75.00 you can pick this necklace up at cowgirlfinesse.ca



Brindle Leather Cross  This brindle coloured horse hair cross hangs from a lovely silver torsade chain. The cross is studded with clear rhinestone crystals and accented by silver beads. The beads follow the elegant curve toward the centre of the piece and the end of each arm is also trimmed with these tiny silver beads. This unique item can be purchased at Welsh’s Saddlery & Western Wear or their online store for $59.95. shopwelshs.com

Charming This one of a kind necklace is made using a rare vintage plate and turquoise encased in a custom made sterling silver setting. With hand crafted sterling silver charms you’re sure to dazzle in this western piece. Discover this item which retails for $1,897.95 at Home Quarter Mercantile and Pie Shoppe in Cochrane. Visit them on Facebook.

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MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

21

Women of the west Personal profile

Horses. Literally the best medicine Woman battles chronic disease with the help of her mare

By Amie Peck

It was devastating news for the entire family — and Nelson had aria Nelson (name to seriously contemplate whether changed by request) she would ever be able to ride had never given a again. “I experienced severe nerve s e c o n d t h o u g h t damage to my hands — it is hard to horses or riding in her entire for me to feel with them and life, prior to moving to Alberta. I have lost my sense of space,” She had been busy raising two Nelson explains.

With the addition of several children and supporting her husband’s busy career, which had medications it was impossible for her to drive her car, let alone ride taken them across the country.

In 2000, the family settled into a horse.

Nelson was forced to take Calgary, AB and it was Nelson’s brother who suggested she take almost a year off riding, but would riding lessons in her spare time. go and visit Star whenever she “All I knew of horses at that time could. “The first time I saw Star was that they had four legs and a after my diagnosis was the hardtail,” laughs Nelson. She enrolled est,” Nelson remembers. “I walked in weekly lessons at a stable in up to the stall and just started DeWinton and was immediately crying buckets — I had missed her enchanted. “Right from the begin- so much.”

Her husband played an integral ning I found that I wanted to learn as much as I could about role at that time, helping Nelson riding and taking care of horses,” groom her horse, and eventually, Nelson explains. She had no idea tack her up. “Because of the loss at the time just how much riding, of sensation it was hard for me and horses, would become a sav- to groom her,” says Nelson. “The brushes would just slide out of my ing grace in her life.

Nelson’s daughter, Elizabeth, hands.”

Slowly she worked her way up to was also taking lessons at the barn and it was a subject that they riding around the arena at a walk, and is now back bonded over for up to jumping long hours. “I small fences was intrigued and gymnastics by the connec“Instead of giving up and again. tion in riding,” The biggest Nelson explains. lying in bed after the riding chal“How you comlenge for Nelson municate with diagnosis, Star motivates remains the loss the horse in varof sensation in ious ways — I me to get better by getting her hands. “It really wanted to is hard to feel learn how to do out of the house.” the reins in my it right.” hands,” Nelson The fam— Maria Nelson explains. “I ily decided to don’t always purchase their know if my left own horse that rein is longer both Maria and Elizabeth could ride and compete than my right, or if I have let both on. That is when Star, a spunky of them slide too far through my and strong willed mare of undeter- fingers.”

With the help of her instrucmined age and breeding, entered tors, Nelson developed a couple their lives.

She was a great match for methods to assist her with rein the Nelson’s, quiet and safe with length. Raised layers of tape, and years of experience in the hunt- the popular colour coded reins, are er ring. The mare would hap- beneficial to Nelson in that she can pily pop over small courses with easily glance down for a second or either of her riders and patiently two and know if her reins are even taught them the basics of horse and the appropriate length. “This has really helped me in my riding ownership.

After a few blissful years of rid- because I can’t be looking down ing and showing, disaster struck. at my hands all on the time, espeStar colicked severely and had cially on an approach to a jump,” to be rushed to the clinic. “They Nelson says.

Although her fight with MS is knew she needed immediate surgery because of a torsion,” Nelson far from over, Nelson knows that says. “I had ten minutes to decide her horse has been a huge factor whether to go ahead — knowing in the small triumphs over the that she may not survive and that disease.

“Instead of giving up and lying it would be a huge financial comin bed after the diagnosis, Star mitment.”

The family decided to do what- motivates me to get better by getever was needed to try and save ting out of the house. I go to the their beloved mare. After hours barn at least every second day — if in surgery, including losing a I’m not riding I will go and hand large section of her intestine, Star walk her or groom her. I keep trymiraculously survived. Although ing because it is what I want to do her recovery was far from simple, — I don’t know what I would be the plucky mare was able to come doing if I didn’t have riding in my home and eventually return to life. Going riding is better than any drug.” her riding career.

It hasn’t always been an easy road Then, three years ago, Nelson’s life changed dramatically. She for Nelson, or her beloved horse awoke one morning to a bizarre Star, but together they have both numbness through her midsec- overcome massive medical hurdles tion which spread rapidly in the to be able to ride together again. “I following days. Through months always think Star survived her colic of confusing and false diagnoses, surgery for a reason,” Nelson ponNelson eventually learned that ders. “She needed me then — and I need her now.” t she had Multiple Sclerosis.

M

Maria Nelson’s horse Star has battled back from her own illness, and now helps Maria fight against her debilitating disease.

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

In it to win It Competitor profile

By Cindy Bablitz

S

teeped in the history of the Hungarian people is an ancient warrior tradition that has all but lost its reason for being: horseback archery. Still, there is a rising popularity in this artful tradition that is seeing international competitions attracting horseback archers from around the world engaging in a centuries old skill, purely for the fun of it.

“It’s a way to express myself, it’s like an art,” explains horseback archery competitor Robert Borsos, founder of the Borsos Torzs Horse Archery Club based out of Mt. Currie, BC, near Pemberton.

“It’s not about chasing the numbers; it’s about personal growth.

There is no prize money, even in international competitions, there’s just the glory. It’s pure pleasure.”

Horseback archery is fast, requiring rigorous physical and mental exactitude as horsemanship and archery are each, in and of themselves, disciplines many people spend lifetimes refining. Hitting a target with bow and arrow, while cantering, rein-free, bareback, takes, you could say, a certain kind of zen. This is ironic, given the fact that horseback archery was, in its day, all about war. Perhaps Attila the Hun was one of the earliest famed warriors renowned for his deadly precision as a horseback archer.

Today, Robert and his students say the experience of shooting arrows from horseback is anything but combative; instead, it’s described as an intimate, peaceful even, time of concentration, connection and joy.

“It’s hard to describe what it feels like when you hit the target from the back of a horse... it’s almost like two meditations in one,” Robert opines.

“Hitting a target with an arrow shot from a bow is a certain practiced skill. Achieving a communication with your horse, so that he knows how to respond to your body, intuitively, when you’ve dropped the reins is a certain practiced skill. But horseback archery puts these two disciplines together — horsemanship and archery — and when you gain skill in these two arts combined, there’s no better feeling.

“Skills are built and developed from the ground, than from the false mount, (a wooden rocking

Horseback archery requires skill in horsemanship and archery BC man competes internationally and revives centuries old skill horse) and finally from the back of a horse. Our minds will slowly switch between riding and archery, but by mastering the first, and after many hours of hard training, this switching will become almost one. It’s centaur-like... when you become one with your horse, bow and the target.”

Robert immigrated to Canada from Hungary in 1989, following a long reign under the Communist regime. Though he didn’t grow up with horses, horses were always a presence of his national identity, and his cultural roots stir deep in him.

“Horseback archery is like a national sport for me. I’m really happy to be doing something for my culture.”

Robert’s father was a Huszar, a cavalryman in the Hungarian army. It wasn’t until 2004, fifteen years after emigrating from his homeland, that the stir of his personal and national heritage piqued Robert’s interest in learning more about the sport of horseback archery, and he began training in earnest. His goal was to train with Lajos Kassai, and the entrance examination to even begin training with this elite master of the sport, is rigorous, to say the least.

“You have to do a ten kilometre cross country run, on foot, then two hours of bareback trotting and then shoot 500 arrows. When you can do all this in five hours, then you can train with him,” Robert explains.

Female horseback archers wishing to train with Kassai are subjected to an equally rigorous entry test, though their distances and numbers are adjusted by half.

Only the very accomplished horseback archers, after years of training and consistent high level performances in competitions achieve the right to wear a winered kaftan and the accompanying right to use a horseback archery saddle.

Robert now offers classes and international competitions at his school in Mt. Currie. He currently has about 12 students who, like Robert, have found a certain calling in themselves for the sport of horseback archery sufficient to sustain the kind of daily training devotion necessary to achieve international competitive levels.

These twelve students, and Robert, are the only competing Kassai horseback archers in Canada.

The next, (and only, this year)

photo credit: robert borsos

Alvin Nelson riding Cassidy competing in horseback archery in Montana.

Kassai Horseback Archery World Cup Canada is being held May 26th and 27th at the training grounds of the Borsos Torzs Horseback Archery Club. Robert himself will also travel to Slovakia, Hungary and Montana for training and competitions this year. His efforts have earned him second place, (just a few points behind the American leader) in North American rankings and on the world scene, among a field of competitors from Austria, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, Romania, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Canada and the United States, he ranks a respectable 27th in a field of 175 others.

“It’s centaur-like... when you become one with your horse, bow and the target.”

— Robert Borsos

Robert would like to see the sport of horseback archery gain greater awareness and popularity, “But it’s a really slow growing sport because it’s dangerous and expensive.”

Though the Borsos Torzs club is affiliated professionally with both

equine and archery associations, horseback archery remains, so far, uninsurable. t To learn more about horseback archery, and the Borsos Torzs Horse Archery Club, surf to www.horsebackarchery.ca.

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More info: Doug & Carol Schaffer, Bassano, Alberta 403-641-2511 photo credit: robert borsos

Horseback archer Nataliya Perchatkina aboard JJ at the Borsos Torzs Horse Archery Club in Mt. Currie, BC, near Pemberton.

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

www.sandyridge.ab.ca

23

Springtime shedding blues

Hands-on horsekeeping

It won’t go away but here’s some tips to manage the hair

Horse care advice

By Heather Grovet

BLANKETING.

S

pringtime; love it or hate it? The answer to that question probably depends upon the amount of hair you have to spit out of your mouth when your horse walks nearby!

But is there anything you can do to limit the amount of annoying hair that floats onto your clothing and barn floor? Or can you speed up the process so it doesn’t last forever? Here are a few tips that might help… a teeny, tiny bit. Hopefully.

DIET. Let’s start with the most important thing in your horse’s life — his stomach. Good quality feed is essential for a healthy horse. And while a healthy horse still looses hair in the spring, at least he won’t still be shedding months later. The addition of vegetable oil, ground flax or high-fat equine feed can improve your horse’s coat. Yes, he might still shed, but at least those falling hairs will be glossy!

“An unhealthy horse will not have an optimal hair coat, and he will not shed as

Horses blanketed all winter normally grow a shorter and lighter coat than those left unblanketed, and in most cases will shed earlier.

If your horse was allowed to grow a woolly mammoth-type coat, blanketing in the spring can speed up the shedding process. If you do blanket, monitor your horse so he doesn’t overheat or develop skin problems.

LIGHT. Believe it or not, light influences your horse’s hair coat more than heat. A study from the Texas A & M University suggests 16 hours of light are required for a short hair coat. Here in Alberta the average length of daylight in April is fourteen hours. To speed shedding, bring your horse into a well lit stall before dark and add artificial light to equal fourteen hours. It’s most effective if the day length is extended in the afternoon instead of the morning. Use a 200 watt incandescent bulb to provide light, with your horse no more than eight feet from the light source. To test for sufficient light, see if you can read a newspaper at every spot in the stall. If not, you need more light. Or better glasses.

GROOMING.

quickly as he should.”

GENERAL HEALTH CARE. An unhealthy horse will not have an optimal hair coat, and he will not shed as quickly as he should. So ensure your horse has been wormed regularly and is current on inoculations. If your horse is shedding much later than others in your area, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about testing for Cushing’s or thyroid problems.

Grooming is an inexpensive and effective way to speed up the shedding process. Start with a rubber curry and work in circles to loosen hairs, then finish with a medium body brush. A grooming block such as Slick N Easy or a textured grill block can also be helpful to remove those stubborn hairs.

And it goes without saying that anyone with an equine vacuum should put it into daily use. Just don’t forget to wear the oldest shirt you own when grooming. And don’t waste your time washing the

PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER GROVET

If anything can grow hair, it’s a pony. And soon all these fuzzy white hairs are going to be floating everywhere, sticking on clothing and tack. Is there anything a horseperson can do to speed up the shedding process, or at the very least, make it somewhat less miserable?

shirt for the next few weeks; it isn’t worth the effort.

EXERCISE. When your horse exercises and sweats, he can speed up the shedding process. A warm bath can also encourage hair loss. Just make sure your horse doesn’t chill afterwards.

You might consider body clipping if your horse is hairy and in training, or if he needs to look sleek for an upcoming competition. Just remember that a clipped horse coat can change colours; your sorrel can turn an odd peachy tone, and your bay can look mousy grey. Worse yet, a mistake with a sharp blade can damage your horse’s summer coat, and you’ll have to live with that

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ver heard of geocaching? How about geocaching on horseback? That’s what The AMAZING BACKCOUNTRY RACE for STARS is all about.

16 caches are strategically hidden in the backcountry of the Alberta Rockies, from the Wilmore to the Kananaskis, for you to seek and find on horseback! Sound like fun?

That’s what it’s all about, while at the same time raising money for the lifesaving organization of STARS. How does it work? The race begins on June 25th and ends on September 5th. REGISTER NOW at www.abcrace.com.

Once the event begins, you will be given the locations of the caches. You find sponsors to donate money to STARS in your name, and you head out to the hills for some great riding and exploring! You can put teams together as well.

Both team and individual prizes will be awarded for: most money raised, most caches found, and the most creative pictures. There are also prizes available for the first rider who finds each cache.

This is a very interactive event, and everything you do for the race is online. Once you register, you’ll have your own page on the ABC Race website where you can post pictures of your rides, make comments to other riders, and keep an up to date tally of your money raised. This is a race after all, and the big winner is the one who can raise the most money for STARS! For more information on the Amazing Backcountry Race, visit the website at www.abcrace.com. Contact the ride organizers, Brenda Winder and Scott Phillips at amazingbackcountry@gmail.com

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better than yourself, brush him night and day, and learn to love the hairs on your shirt. Before you know it, spring shedding will be a thing of the past. Good luck until then! 

TO CLIP OR NOT.

GUY WEADICK DAYS 2012 DATE

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Backcountry Travels Trail riding tips

Start planning your backcountry trip now

By Terri McKinney

W

ell folks, as we step outside and see the snow melting, take a deep breath of spring air. It always brings a smile to our face. Wander over to our furry horses and notice them shedding like crazy. It always makes me think of the mountain riding that is only weeks away.

Winter is behind us and the mountains are starting to feel the sun on their backs, as life out west is going to be awake with flowing rivers, birds a singing, and the wild horses getting ready to enjoy the green grass.

THINKSTOCK.COM For every trail rider out there, this is when we get the mountain itch and start preparing for another enjoyable mountain summer.

“Conditioning your horse is one key element to a Where do you begin? My advice is, check your calendars great trip for both you and your horse.” first. Then figure out what your vision is for the ride you want — TERRY MCKINNEY to take this summer. Weekend day rides or a pack trip, maybe with friends, in a park, out of a park? Do you want to ride in your favourite area or try somewhere a group where some want to ride Be fair to you both and get some for an hour and the rest want time in the saddle before your new?

You can start by getting maps a full day’s ride. Planning with adventure.

Once you get out west, rememof all the staging areas both out your group will make a better ber it is a higher elevation and of the park and in the parks. mountain holiday for everyone.

If you’re planning a pack trip, will be harder work for them with Check all the regulations and rules, what is provided in each make sure you pack all your hors- the hills to climb. Did I mention staging area and what you will es at home first. In fact start now. as they are getting into shape, so need. Once you have the date I have seen many wrecks at the are you?

With your vacation planned and place picked, dig deeper into staging areas because they bring the trails you want to ride on and out broke saddle horses whom and your horses in shape, here have never been packed. They are things to consider before the how long they are.

If you are going with a group, then proceed to pack them up mountain season is here. Is your make sure you talk with them that day for the 1st time. It can horse gear all in working conabout how long they want to be easily avoided by doing your dition? Any wall tents needing repair? How’s the trailer? Do I ride for. Are their horses green or homework.

Planning a pack trip is excit- have a farrier who understands seasoned?

From my experience you don’t ing but conditioning your horse where I am going and will put is one key1element to a great trip. fresh shoes on my horse before I want to get out on the trail with17:41 1/6_10,16X15,25 10/03/12 Page

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go? Do you have weed free hay or cubes lined up?

Next month I will talk about gear to take with you and what I have found works best over the years by trial and error, along with some frozen feet! I am counting down the sleeps till I am back in the hills.

See you next time and may your trails be clear, your pack string safe, and your camp just around the corner. 

Terri McKinney outfits with her husband Chuck & their daughter south west of Rocky Mountain House Alberta in the Bighorn Backcountry. They teach clinics, do packing demos, train horses in the mountains, and offer trail rides and pack trips. Check them out at www. wilddeuce.com or 780-679-8451

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Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo (COEE) is an annual event held each June featuring an indoor and outdoor trade show, clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. COEE will celebrate its third year on June 8 to 10, 2012 at Iron Horse Equestrian Complex between Milton and Burlington. We are pleased to offer a program of world-class equestrians presenting exceptional clinics and demonstrations.

For further information visit: www.equineexpo.ca

Reaching for Hunter excellence with Kim Kirton National competitor brings judge’s eye to Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo

By Stefanie Nagelschmitz

S

ometimes the key to becoming a top rider is understanding what judges look for and how course designers think. Kim Kirton’s Hunter and Hunter Derby clinics at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo offer that chance.

There are few chances to hear how judges — or course designers for that matter — think. At the 2012 Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo (COEE), acclaimed Canadian equestrian, course designer and judge, Kim Kirton, will demonstrate what judges look for in a Hunter and Hunter Derby ring.

Her clinics are the ideal way to get inside a judge’s mind whether attendees are riding in the clinic or watching from the stands.

“At Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo, I am going to do Hunter clinics where I will school each group on the course, let them complete it on their own, and then I will critic each participant from a judge’s point-of-view,” says Kirton who lives in Palgrave, ON. And there are few Hunter experts in Canada more qualified than Kirton to lead these sessions.

Kirton started riding before she could walk under the watch-

photo credit: coee

photo credit: coee

Jane Savoie leading a dressage clinic at the 2011 Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo to a full audience. She will be back again in 2012.

Former Australian Olympic eventing coach Wayne Roycroft led interactive clinics in 2011 for riders of all levels.

ful eye of her father, well-known horseman, Gord Kirton. As a competitor, Kim represented Canada in Equador, England, Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, United States, Australia, France and Ireland.

When she retired from the competition circuit, Kirton began raising and training championship ponies and horses that have won titles throughout Canada and the U.S., including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Now living in Palgrave, ON, Kirton judges regularly including Children’s, Junior, Adult, Amateur

and Working Hunter classes as well as all levels of pony Hunter classes.

Since Kirton has been involved in course design for many years, she will also run a clinic for the Hunter Derby course.

“The clinics are not just for those in competition mode,” says Kirton. “It is useful for those just getting started or thinking about getting started to understand the vision of the Hunter discipline and why courses are designed the way they are. Even if they never compete a day in their lives, they can learn the skills acquired and

the elements required to define the equine discipline we call Hunter.”

Kirton’s clinics will run on Friday June 8th and Sunday June 10th only at Iron Horse Equestrian Complex in Burlington, ON. Interested riders and coaches can pre-register to participate in the clinic or simply arrive on the day of to audit for free.

Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo will be held on Friday June 8th to Sunday June 10th at Iron Horse Equestrian Complex in Burlington, ON. For more information, visit www.EquineExpo.ca. t

“The clinics are… useful… to understand the vision of the Hunter discipline and why courses are designed the way they are.”

— Kim Kirton

Craig Cameron Goes Canadian Famed Texas Cowboy Returns After Last Year’s Success

By Stefanie Nagelschmitz

I

n 2011 at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo (COEE), it was the Texan who left the biggest impression.

Craig Cameron is known as the original “Cowboy’s Clinician” from Bluff Dale, Texas and travels extensively across North America teaching fans how to train their horses.

In addition to his clinics, Cameron’s best known for the Extreme Cowboy Race™ which challenges horses and riders through an obstacle course to test their speed, skill and connection.

“When Craig hosts the Extreme Cowboy Race™ there is so much energy in the crowd and in the ring,” says Coral Defayette, COEE Equine Expo Team Lead.

“Our team is excited to bring this event back and especially to introduce Sunday’s Jr. Extreme Cowboy Race™.”

During COEE on June 8th and 9th, the Extreme Cowboy RaceTM is an open competition for any rider 18 years and older.

The NEW Jr. Extreme Cowboy Race™ is for younger riders who are 14 to 17 years old and will take place on Sunday June 10th.

Both competitions feature a challenging obstacle course with some unconven-

26

tional tasks like jumping barrels, crawling through straw bales or pulling logs. And the reward? Riders compete in the pursuit of $3,000 in cash prizes!

The Extreme Cowboy Race™ SemiFinals will take place on Friday June 8th at 6 p.m. followed by the Finals on Saturday June 9th at 6 p.m. Ticket prices and entry details are available online at www.

EquineExpo.ca.

In addition to running the Extreme Cowboy Race™ and its junior version, Cameron will lead four clinics over the three days of COEE. Western riders can learn from this past Road to the Horse champion in Starting the Challenging Colt, Reining 101, Trailer Loading Made Easy as well as Patterns For Success — Fun and Interesting Patterns to Make a Good Horse Better.

“I believe in working with the horse, not against it — and working to the power of understanding,” says Cameron.

“You have to learn to be effective. It’s the little things that count such as feeling, timing, balance, consistency, patience and understanding. Horsemanship is a thinking man’s game.”

Cameron clearly knows how to win this game.

Whether watching the Extreme Cowboy

Race™ or learning from one of his horsemanship clinics, COEE attendees don’t want to miss this learning opportunity.

Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo will be

held on Friday, June 8th to Sunday, June 10th at Iron Horse Equestrian Complex in Burlington, ON. For more information, visit www.EquineExpo.ca. t

photo credit: coee

Craig Cameron stunned 2011 Extreme Cowboy Race winner Camilla Willings when she was named champion. At Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo 2012, Craig will host a Jr. Extreme Cowboy Race for riders aged 13 to 17 in addition to the traditional event.

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

“Bute” can have adverse consequences for horses

Horse health

Indiscriminate use can harm the horse, and does not address the cause of the pain being treated

Expert advice

P

henylbutazone, referred to as “bute” amongst horsemen, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and fever in horses. It is one of the most common medications administered to horses but indiscriminate use is wrought with adverse consequences. Therefore horse owners must be aware of its appropriate and prudent use.

Phenylbutazone is indicated for the treatment of a wide variety of musculoskeletal ailments. These can include but are not limited to acute sprains, strains, injuries, muscular overuse, tendonitis, degenerative joint diseases, navicular syndrome, laminitis, and arthritis. The hallmark of these ailments is pain and inflammation.

Since phenylbutazone can alleviate pain in horses it may be used inappropriately to mask lameness for competition, work or sale purposes. As such regulations regarding its use varies within disciplines and their governing bodies.

Phenylbutazone is frequently the first drug of choice for pain control and inflammation because it is relatively inexpensive and effective. It is carried under many brand labels and is available in tablet or paste formulation for oral administration, or as an injectable product strictly for intravenous use. It is not given given intramuscularly as it is extremely irritating to the tissues.

Risky practice Despite the manufacture’s recommendations that phenylbutazone be administered under veterinary supervision, many horse owners administer their own “bute.”

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as phenylb-

utazone effect the body by blocking the cascade of chemicals that produce prostaglandins, which are responsible for symptoms of pain and inflammation. Prostaglandins are also responsible for maintaining blood flow to vital tissues such as the lining of the stomach, intestinal tract and kidneys.

As a result phenylbutazone’s mechanism of action in the body places vital tissues at risk, potentially damaging the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and compromising blood flow to the kidneys.

Clinical signs of phenylbutazone toxicity include loss of appetite, depression, teeth grinding, mild

Inflammation and pain when allowed their course are a part of the natural healing process.

colic, weight loss, renal failure, and edema under the belly and in the legs. Hemorrhages and ulcers often occur in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, cecum and right dorsal colon.

Phenylbutazone’s injurious and lethal toxicities often come as a complete surprise to owner’s due to ignorance, careless dosing, or failing to recognize factors that increase the likelihood of adverse effects.

Certain populations of horses such as foals, ponies, older horses and debilitated or dehydrated horses carry a higher risk for harm.

Horses that are dehydrated are particularly susceptible to phenylb-

BAR T5

utazone toxicity, since blood flow to the kidneys is already compromised.

A phenomena known as “stacking” has become an increasingly common practice whereby nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or medications are combined in hopes of further reducing pain and inflammation. These practices greatly increase the potential of adverse side effects.

tion. An understanding of pain leads to clear decision-making and management in the health and welfare of the horse. Then and only then is pain relief truly effective and compassionate.

Phenylbutazone is recommended by the manufacturer for veterinary use only

Document required The indiscriminate use of phenylbutazone in horses whether obtained through or outside the prescription system will continue to come under increasing scrutiny. As of July 31, 2010 all horses slaughtered for human consumption in Canada must arrive at the slaughterhouse with an Equine Information Document. The EID identifies the horse and a record of medications administered to that horse over the previous six months.

Horses that have received phenylbutazone are not eligible for slaughter as phenylbutazone has been found to be linked to bone marrow toxicity in humans. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has zero tolerance for phenylbutazone in food. Horse owners may expect increasing vigilance and prudence by veterinary practitioners whom prescribe phenylbutazone.

Medications that relieve pain and inflammation without heeding and acknowledging the experience that created the pain and inflammation can be counterproductive, even harmful to the longterm well-being of the horse.

Pain is an intelligent form of communication from the body.

Inflammation and pain when allowed their course are a part of the natural healing process. As a messenger, pain brings informa-

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27

Association News

Paint horse club is in full colour this spring ALBERTA PAINT HORSE CLUB

By Stephanie Dewes

W

ith spring in the air, AHAA has been working very hard to make this show season a great one! We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved website, www.ahaa.ca. We will be posting show dates and events on our calendar, as well as keeping up with member news throughout the year! We currently have four ApHC pointed shows planned for this summer, as well as clinics, the Battle of the Breeds and the Youth Team which will compete at the Canadian National Appaloosa Show.

By Angie Webb

S

pring time is here! The horses are either soaking up the rays, or rolling in the mud. With that said, show season is nearing close and surely I am not the only one counting down the days. Mane Event (April 27th-29th) gives us the perfect opportunity to purchase some last minute show supplies, get insightful education from the clinicians, and visit the APHC booth!

Lloydminster spring show is May 19th and 20th, so make sure to get those stall and master entry forms sent.

It seems as though it’s turning out to be a very “colorful” foaling season. Lynn Freeland sent me a very cute picture of her newest addition, a loud colt by “Simply Terrific.” Natalie Hunter is excited to announce a sorrel overo colt by the late “SHP Jets Ivory Puff.” Dean and Jenn Hendrickson are thrilled with their double registered, bay overo filly. “Pearl” is out of “Make Mine Zipped,” and sired

by Lucky Diamond Chip. Pipestone Paints reports a bay overo colt born to “PP Fleets Belle.” This very white little guy is a full sibling to “PP Lil Sioux Te.” Also, a remarkable buckskin overo colt was born to “Three Chips Charm!”

Angela Webb welcomed a beautiful bay overo filly. “Josie” is by “Sheza Invious,” also sired by Lucky Diamond Chip.

Connie and Caylee Webb are enjoying their spb colt out of “Zips Miss Flit.” “Austin” is sired by “Invited Back.”

The Zone 10, APHC, SPHC, and the Big West Color Classic committees are proud to offer the scholarship program in 2012. The past two years have been extremely successful. This youth event prides itself with require-

IMPORTANT DATES: ments such as an oral essay, school marks, riding accomplishments and volunteerism. This award is worth $2500 dollars. Youth members are encouraged to participate.

Application forms can be found on the APHC website under “Scholarship.”

Congratulations to Kris and Sheridan Konrad. They are pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby this November. Should be fun to see a new little face at the shows! That is all for now, if you have any news to share, please send it to angieturcotte@gmail.com. 

Tara Gamble elected AEF president EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION www.albertaequestrian.com

T

he AEF is pleased to announce their slate of directors for 2012 with Tara Gamble being elected president.

Gamble served on the AEF board as an individual member and on the Scholarship Committee. She has over 20 years of industry teaching experience instructing Western, English and jumping lessons. She is the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) past president, a certified Master Clinic Instructor and is a designated professional horseman with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). She has been fortunate enough to represent Canada as First Runner-Up Miss Rodeo Canada 1998 as well as Miss Leduc Black Gold Rodeo 1998.

In 2008, Gamble was a guest lecturer at the Ohio Quarter Horse Congress; January 2009 she presented two seminars at the Horse Owners & Breeders Conference; 2010 she presented three sessions at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, KY, and in 2011 presented at the Mane Event in Red Deer, AB. Currently she is the vice president of the Miss Rodeo Canada Organization, Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), and was recently appointed to the Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee.

Kippy Maitland-Smith was elected vice president; Juliet Franke,

28

APPALOOSA HORSE ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA www.ahaa.ca

www.northernhorse.com/aphc

ALBERTA

Appaloosa club hosting clinics and competitions

secretary. Both Maitland-Smith and Franke were re-elected to these positions.

Les Oakes is new to the board and serves as treasurer. As an accountant/ financial planner, he will continue the important work of managing the AEF’s approximate $750,000 budget in a fiscally responsible manner.

Sarah Torry, a 2011 Olds College graduate in the equine science program is chair of sport. She is also chair of the 2012 AEF conference committee and brings an important youth voice to the AEF. Brian Irving was re-elected as chair of recreation and is deep in the development of the 2012 Wild Rose Trail Ride with his team. Irving is a tireless campaigner for the recreational rider and encourages that “invisible” but large group to talk to the AEF. Also new is Trish Mrakawa, an award-winning Equine Canada coach

Tara Gamble, AEF President and her 10 year old gelding WY.

who has taken on the responsibility of chair of education.

Bill deBarres is the well-known and hard working re-elected chair of breeds and industry. Also new to the board is Rebecca Munoz, currently an Olds College equine science student, and elected as chair of public relations. She is a passionate advocate for youth, education and direct involvement in the horse industry.

Serving as individual directors are: Lew Hand and Alison Douglas who have returned to serve, and newcomers Raylene McWade, Ken Schmuland and Laura Stenhouse. Dixie Crowson is past president.

The AEF also thanks Sandy Bell, Patricia McCormack, Cindy Holyoak and Julie Moorcroft for their service to the AEF and the tremendous work that they did.

The AEF is also pleased to welcome Nicole McLaughlin, as our new Marketing and Program Support Coordinator. Nicole joined the AEF team on April 2nd.

Nicole brings with her a business/ marketing background, event planning experience and solid knowledge of the equestrian industry. These skills will be a definite asset in helping her to exceed the AEF’s marketing and membership goals and further the success of the federation.

Wendy Kemble has resigned to develop a family horse business. The AEF thanks Kemble for her long service!

For more information on the backgrounds of the new board members, please visit the AEF website, www. albertaequestrian.com. You will find their contact information.

Contact the AEF: Phone 403-2534411 or Toll Free 1-877-4636233. 

• May 19, 2012: The Big FN AHSO horse show will be held at Blacklands Ranch in Fort Saskatchewan. ApHC approved cattle classes will be held on Saturday May 19th, 2012. Working cow horse classes will be dual

pointed, judged by APHC judge Harvey Stevens and National Reined Cow Horse Association, NRCHA, judge Cayley Wilson.

There will be NRCHA approved classes as well as a line up of NARCHC (Northern Alberta Reined Cow Horse Club) classes.

• May 20, 2012: The Big FN AHSO horse show will be held at Blacklands Ranch in Fort Saskatchewan. A full slate of ApHC approved classes will be held on Sunday May 20th, 2012, judged

by Harvey Stevens.

• May 21, 2012: The Appaloosa Stock Horse Organization is hosting a Reining Clinic with Harvey Stevens at Blacklands Ranch.

• May 27, 2012: The Color Spring Fling horse show will be held at the Calouri Pavilion in Olds, Alberta with judge Deana Bjornson.

• June 2-3, 2012: The Spring Classic horse show will be held at the Cow Palace in Olds, Alberta with judges James Simpson (June 2) and Bonnie Miller (June 3).

Canadian National Appaloosa Championship Youth Team members will be announced within the next month! Good luck to all of the girls at Nationals!

Battle of the Breeds Team applications are available on the website. 

Looking Forward and Looking Back ENDURANCE RIDERS OF ALBERTA www.enduranceridersofalberta.com

By Owen Fulcher

U

sually I start my first column with tips for getting your horse ready for the up and coming endurance season. However, this year I think it is far more important to take a look at where endurance has come from to what it is today and how we in Alberta and Canada can keep this a viable sport into the future.

As a sport, endurance riding in North America has its origins in the Old West and the Pony Express. One of the oldest and most prestigious rides, the Tevis Cup, follows old trails used to get goods and information across the mountains to the west coast. In the earliest days of organized endurance, it was simply a matter of riding your horse a given distance with stops and completing. As time moved on, we recognized the need to care for the horse and the rider.

Today, we enjoy a sport that has appeal at all riding levels. Our rides cater to the pleasure rider, the locally competitive rider and the international competitor. A point of pride for our sport should be that we accomplish all of this in a single event. From the veterinary perspective, we have become much more aware and educated as to the risks inherent in this sport and the unique problems we encounter in endurance horses.

In spite of the strides forward made on the technical side, it is still a great experience to spend weekends riding some of the most beautiful and varied countryside in the world and

having the opportunity to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the company of good friends.

Looking back, I remember my first rides I vetted 17 years ago. People who were intensely competitive during the day, laughed, talked and reminisced at night. What I have learned is that no matter where in the world I go, underneath the competition is a camaraderie among competitors.

Looking forward, we need to encourage new members and youth.

I think the lesson we gain from the past is that this is not only a sport but also a social connection. New riders need to feel welcome and recognized as an important part of our sport.

This was one of the hot topics at this year’s AERC convention. What they’ve found is that if the first experiences of new riders are great and they feel included, they will continue.

Conversely, if their experience is bad, we will not ever see them again.

As one of many who loves this sport, I look forward to a new season.

I look forward to new friends and old.

I look forward to crappy rainy days and I look forward to sunshine. I look forward to those I can help and advise. I look forward to watching my family ride and achieve their goals. I look forward to travel to new places and new sights and new friends. I look forward to seeing the accomplishments of those who ride for our country. I look forward to the youth with their fresh ideas and their dreams. I look forward to the horses who are the most amazing of athletes.

I look forward to learning and sharing with other vets and volunteers. I look forward to looking back with those of you who have been around as long or longer than I have.

I look forward to moving forward as a person, as a vet and with this sport so that we have a bright future for everyone involved …………past, present and future. 

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Record draft horse prices at Royal Manitoba Winter Fair WILD ROSE DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION www.wrdha.com

By Bruce Roy Twenty-eight Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons sold before a bumper attendance at NAERIC’s 2012 Draft Horse Classic Foal Sale, held a first time at Brandon’s 2012 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. The crackling $4,162 average was the best ever at this annual auction. Consignors from were ecstatic. This was a $610 increase on the year!

This year’s consignment, eligible for NAERIC’s 2014 Draft Horse Classic Futurity, was the best yet catalogued. Consignors can bid on their home-bred yearlings, as can all horsemen, who feel they have the expertise to challenge the rewarding program. Consignors add $1,000 of each yearling’s purchase price to the handsome futurity purse. Three judges, who work alone, score those threeyear-old futurity horses that return,

Duhaime’s Danica, the 2012 winner of the NAERIC Draft Horse Futurity, with (from l to r): Norm Luba, Executive Director, NAERIC, Albert Duhaime, Emma Duhaime, Sherry Hobman and Doug Hobman. to contest the three different disciplines. Shown on halter and in a rail cart class; they must be schooled and well broke, to successfully contest the Pattern Driving Class, which would challenge the best chore horse. The ten high scoring threeyear-old horses at Brandon’s 2012 NAERIC Draft Horse Classic Futurity divided a handsome purse of $42,640.

The winner collected $9,356.50, a lion’s share of this purse.

Rocky Bar Razor, a May-born, red

sorrel Belgian colt, topped the 2012 foal sale. Don Peacock’s hammer fell on a $11,700 bid, which gave his buyers the coveted wild card.

Delighted, his Saskatchewan breeders, Nick & Tracey Den Brok, Rocky Bar Belgians, joined forces with their Esterhazy friends and neighbours, Lyle & Brenda Walsh, to win possession of Rocky Bar Razor, their choice of the 28 yearlings consigned. Given the flurry of bids tossed, it was evident buyers had an eye on this

yearling. Razor is sired by the Pennsylvania-bred stallion, Greene Mead Keystone. He is a stylish, heads-up youngster, that can tramp.

Rose Hill Razel was the high priced Percheron. A last bid of $9,500, placed by his breeder, a nervous Gordon Ruzicka, Rose Hill Percherons of Viking, AB, gave him the black colt’s possession. The home-bred son of L.D.’s Shiawasee’s Ozzie, Grand Champion Stallion at the Central Alberta Draft Horse Classic and Calgary Stampede in 2010 and 2011, was shown at Alberta’s 2011 Foal Show in October.

He placed third in his class.

Win, place or show at the 2014 NAERIC Futurity, Lake Bottom Knox, the high priced Clydesdale, has an exciting future, barring accident. He is a hitch horse prospect, one that should fuel a teamster’s interest. A bay son of Donegal Deluxe Rocket, this $6,000 colt was a sound investment. Bred by Randy & Brad Delgaty, Delgaty Clydes of Minnedosa, MB; he was purchased by two Manitoba horsemen, who joined forces to own him — Darryl Horn, Bel-Clydes of Virden and Allan Betteridge, Coyote Creek Clydesdales of Minnedosa.

This year’s NAERIC Draft Horse

Classic Futurity was a barn burner.

Competition was fast. The threeyear-old futurity horses well turned out and exceptionally well schooled.

Little separated the 13 horses that returned, to contest the $42,640 purse, which owners of the ten high placed three-year-old horses shared.

This year’s judges were Mark Barrie of New York; Dale Burger of Ohio and Cal Lipsett, Jr. of ON. Fast as the competition was, Duhaime’s Danica, a three-yearold Belgian mare, was the 2012 NAERIC Draft Horse Classic Futurity winner. Bred and owned by Albert, Emma & Nikki Duhaime, Duhaime Belgians of Payton, SK; Doug Hobman of Nokomis, SK, did a stellar job fitting, shoeing, schooling and showing her for them. All three judges placed Duhaime’s Danica first on Halter and in the Rail Cart Class. Two judges had her first Pattern Driving, one judge had her fourth. Truly a beautiful female, structurally so correct, she is a spirited athlete. This Krebsie’s Nait daughter won $9,356.50 for her owners. Purchased for $4,000 at the 2009 NAERIC Draft Horse Classic Foal Sale, she is one of three foals purchased for a modest price, that led this year’s entry at the NAERIC Draft Horse Classic Futurity. 

Equine Code of Practice to be revised www.albertahorseindustry.ca

By Robin Moore

T

he National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is conducting a second survey to gain further stakeholder input as it revises Canada’s official Equine Code of Practice which serves as our national understanding of equine care requirements and recommended best practices.

NFACC is overseeing a multi-year project to renew the Codes of Practice for several farm animal species, including equine. Each species has a

lead organization responsible for facilitating their individual Code’s development. For equine, it’s Equine Canada.

The Equine Code of Practice will be scientifically informed, practical, and reflect societal expectations for farm animal care thanks to a Code Development Committee which brings together a broad range of expertise and industry knowledge.

The Committee is also seeking stakeholder input through national surveys. This survey is the second to be conducted for equine.

“Stakeholder input is critical to the renewal process,” explains Jack de Wit, Chair of the Equine Code of Practice Committee and member of Equine Canada’s Board of Directors.

“We strongly encourage all those involved in our sport and industry to provide input through this survey.”

To complete this 10 minute sur-

vey, go to www.nfacc.ca/codes-ofpractice/equine and click on survey.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is looking for feedback from interested parties on the proposal for a legislative framework for traceability.

The legislative framework can be found online at the CFIA’s website: www.inspection.gc.ca Written comments can be mailed to Peter Pauker Manager - CFIA Traceability Group, Domestic Policy Directorate 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0Y9 Or emailed to trace.consultations@ inspection.gc.ca and need to be received by May 3, 2012.

Equine Canada Releases Special Report: The Economics of Horse Racing in Canada

The Ontario horse racing industry is contributing $4.5 billion or 77 per cent of the total annual economic contributions from racing in Canada, according to a new study released by Equine Canada and Strategic Equine.

The Economics of Horse Racing in Canada, an in-depth report on the horse racing industry on a provinceby-province basis, identifies the significant economic contributions realized through horse racing in Canada — the industry generates more than 47,000 full-time equivalent jobs and $5.7 billion annually to the national economy.

The racing sector represents a small percentage of the total number of horses in Canada, but a significantly higher percentage of the overall economic contribution that comes from horses in Canada. With 45,000 horses active in the racing sector (five per cent of the total Canadian

herd), the horse racing sector provides 26 per cent of the total economic contribution, and a $5.7 billion annual economic impact. Racing in Ontario represents the largest provincial sector for the national racing industry, with more than 68 per cent of the total racing opportunities and 86 per cent of the total purses earned in 2010.

The Economics of Horse Racing In Canada is the first in a series of “state of the industry” reports to be developed by Equine Canada from the 2010 Canadian Horse Industry Profile Study, released in 2011. The 2010 study provided the country with the broadest and the deepest analysis of the national equine industry since Equine Canada first began producing the reports in 1998.

The study can be downloaded free of charge from Equine Canada’s website www.equinecanada.ca 

Chuckwagon canvas auction sets new records WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHUCKWAGON ASSOCIATION www.wpca.com

By Billy Melville

T

he unofficial start to the 2012 chuckwagon season saw records fall at the first chuckwagon canvas auction of the year for the Centennial Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Archie Boyce Theatre on Stampede Park in Calgary Alberta.

Defending Rangeland Derby Champion Kelly Sutherland set a record for the highest single bid when Tervita paid an incredible $300,000

for the 12-time champion. That beat the previous high bid of $210,000, also for Kelly Sutherland in 2008 by $90,000. The overall total for the sale was a record $4,015,000 beating the 2007 record total of $4,003,500 by $11,500.

The average bid on all 36 wagons was $111,527.78 up $32,638.89 from $78,888.89 in 2011, with the median bid being $110,000 up $35,000 from $75,000 in 2011. It was the highest average and median bids of all time as well. As mentioned previously, defending Calgary Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland was the high bid at $300,000, up $130,000 from 2011’s top bid of $170,000, also for Sutherland.

After the record setting sale at the 2012 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby canvas auction last Thursday, drivers from chuckwagon racing’s premier chuckwagon racing

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

circuit — the WPCA GMC Pro Tour were hoping that the trend would carry over to the sales for the professional circuit.

The 2nd chuckwagon canvas auction of the year — the WPCA GMC Pro Tour’s chuckwagon canvas auction took place on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, with remote locations in Medicine Hat, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie and Bonnyville. Prime advertising space on the tarps carried by the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world were auctioned off for the bulk of the 2012 professional chuckwagon season.

The overall total came in at $1,679,900 — up $134,650 over the 2011 total of $1,545,250 for the same shows. All of the seven shows were up over 2011 totals, and for the first time in history, each show crossed over the $200,000 mark. 

3-time World Champion Jason Glass is again partnered up with Birchcliff Energy Ltd.

29

Association News Stettin-Nakamun Sleigh Rally NORTHERN LIGHTS DRIVING CLUB

By Lori O’Meara

O

n February 25, a half dozen or so members of the Northern Lights Driving club took part in the Annual StettinNakamun Sleigh Rally.

Despite the previous days’ dump of snow, there was a great turnout and all enjoyed a wonderful drive followed by an excellent supper.

There were approximately 100 participants with 14 sleighs and their passengers as well as 17 outriders. The door prizes and raffle draws made for a funfilled community event.

Once again this year, Bruens’ Acres Paints donated one of their beautiful foals for raffle. Many local businesses and families donated door prizes and sponsored the rally.

A Best-Dressed prize went to the driver of the Polynesianthemed sleigh with all the bikini and grass skirt clad passengers (over snow gear, of course).

It’s great to see that winter weather won’t keep the die-hard driving fans from coming out and having a fun time. 

What’s the difference between a Pinto and Paint?

CANADIAN PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION www.canadianpinto.com

By Kerri-Lee Schmuland

T

he Alberta Pinto Horse Association is hosting a combined Canadian Pinto and Open show at the Caluori Pavilion in Olds on May 25, 2012 and the Four-In-One (two judges) Show at the Cow Palace in Olds on July 27-29, 2012. Check our website at www. canadianpinto.com for information and forms.

Clinton and Theresa Dufault have donated a beef for our Youth Fundraising raffle. First prize is a full side of beef cut and wrapped and second and third will split the other side. Olds College is providing the cutting and wrapping at a reduced price to support the cause. Funds go to support our Youth programs.

Contact Roxanne at randrpaints@hotmail.com.

At the Canadian Pinto meeting in Red Deer on March 25, 2012 the members present agreed to a number of exciting incentives. We are pleased to announce a temporary registration incentive for “aged” horses. For the next year, you may register any eligible horse that is three years of age or older for the reduced price of $60 for members or $120 for non-members.

As a family membership is only $45 for the year, why not become a member. Then, if you show at open shows, remember to also register in the ROM program. You can then earn points towards certificates and year end trophies when you report your results at the shows. In addition, for anyone who is registering three or more horses, there is a 10 per cent discount on the registration fees if you send in

Whata Lethal Weapon with KerriLee Schmuland. all of the registration papers, pictures, supporting documents and your payment at the same time.

All new members will be receiving a New Members Kit with copies of all the Canadian Pinto forms and program brochures. As these kits have not been available for several years, all current members will also be receiving a copy of the kit via email.

If you do not have an email address on file with us, please contact Valerie at 780-470-3786 or Roxanne at randrpaints@hotmail.com.

A Stallion Auction Appreciation Yearling Halter class is being developed. This class will be similar to a futurity with $500 added money and will only be eligible to certain foals that are the offspring of stallions registered in the Stallion Auction program. Details will be available later.

If you have any questions, contact Brandi at meriklewaters@hotmail. com. Take the time to check out the growing list of stallions that will be available for our 2012 Stallion Auction at www.canadianpinto.com or on our Facebook page.

Last year members hosted booths at the Mane Event celebrations in Red Deer AB, Chilliwack BC, and Saskatoon, SK. We would especially like to thank Roxanne and Shannon for all their hard work in organizing

our booth at these events. If you would like to volunteer to help at these events in 2012, please contact Roxanne. The most common question asked is, “What is the difference between a Pinto and a Paint?” Very simply, any Paint can be registered as a Pinto in either the coloured or the breeding stock divisions, however, the Canadian Pinto Horse Association also registers coloured horses from most other Light Horse breeds including Warmbloods and Curlys. In addition we also accept coloured Draft Horses such as the Gypsy Vanners and have a separate registry for Pinto Ponies. If you have a coloured horse and the sire and/or dam is registered with a recognized breed registry check out our current registration incentives. Our website is www.canadianpinto.com and we also have a Facebook page.

If you would like to show off your Pinto at Spruce Meadows our Battle of the Breeds team is looking for new participants. Our team must be entered by July 14 2012 so please contact Lisa at lisa_f@mailcan.com or Shannon at threedsan@hotmail.com.

2013 is our 50th anniversary! Stay tuned for information on Anniversary Belt Buckles and our Annivesary Celebration. We are having a 2013 50th Anniversary Edition Canadian Pinto Calendar Photo contest. For each entry send three quality pictures of any Canadian Pinto horse registered in the Regular registry to Roxanne at randrpaints@hotmail. com. Each entry is $20 and you may submit multiple entries. Winning photos will be published in the calendar and each entry will receive a free calendar. Deadline for submission is September 15, 2012.

Whata Lethal Weapon is one of the excellent stallions available in our Stallion Auction. If you would like to see your Canadian Pinto in the Horses All, please send pictures and information to Kerri-Lee at horses@ rafterdiamondk.com. 

PHOTO CREDIT: LORI O’MEARA

Andre Rioux driving his team of Clydesdales, Lee and Roy, at the Stettin-Nakamum Sleigh Rally with outrider Heather Rioux following.

Mounted shooters growing in numbers and vying for national team spots ALBERTA MOUNTED GAMES

By Linda MacKenzie

Riding out of your mind

equestrian sport psychology services

April Clay, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist Seminars and Consultation in Equine Sport Psychology • Individual or group sessions • Keynotes • On the ground or mounted • Email consultations

The perfect topic for your next association meeting!

Call or email to find out more: 403.283.5525 april@ridingoutofyourmind.com www.ridingoutofyourmind.com 30

A

lberta Mounted Games is pleased to report that we are up to 30 members! We have been busy organizing clinics and competitions for this upcoming games season! We welcomed an international games coach and rider from Germany, Pola Preguel who put on a clinic in March. Pola was very informative and a great help to all the riders, leaving us with many winning tips and tricks to apply to for our upcoming competitions.

We also hosted Canadian Mounted Games coach Jim Dunn, for national team tryouts and a clinic on April 14. Riders competed for 5 spots on the National team. Tryouts have already been held in Ontario and British Columbia. The team selected this year is quite a special one because not only will riders support Team Canada at the 2012 World Championships in Wales, but also the 2013 World Championships in New Zealand. Team Canada will battle it out against the best Mounted Games riders in the world for the chance at a World title! These tours are looking to be quite impressive. The Welsh competition will be held in conjunction with the Royal Welsh horse show. New Zealand’s tour will be held in conjunction with the Horse of the Year Show. Both competitions will have a

large audience of thousands, as well as television and internet broadcasts!

This summer we have the pleasure of hosting two more world class riders who will be putting on a clinic at Whitemud Equine Center, June 9-10. Huw Whitney (Wales) and Steven Chorley (Scotland) have won many team and pairs championships, as well as World and European championship titles. They are widely respected both on and off the field. These two will be a wealth of knowledge, and we are impatiently awaiting their arrival!

Alberta Mounted Games will be hosting a Pairs Series this year. Tentative dates are May 27, June 17, July 8, and Sept 16.

Check out our blog: http://albertamountedgames.blogspot.ca or www.canadamountedgames.com These sites will help you stay updated with practices, clinics and competition dates. We keep it updated all the time with news and general information about our club. We hope to gather new members and grow our sport!

All riders, ages and experiences are welcome to attend. For more information please contact: Linda McKenzie: 780-987 7300 or linda@mustangcontrols.com

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

Calendar of Events Send your announcements by email to ltkdbell@yahoo.ca and we’ll include your event or announcement free!

The Month Ahead: Band City Quarter Horse Show

MAY 18 - 21 www.sqha.org

Clinics & Seminars MAY April 23-May 1 Calgary, AB Equine Body Worker Certification presented by Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. For details, contact Lyndsey Deutsch: 403-556-0716 or email: info@ hoofnpaws.ca April 30-May 1 Stonewall, MB Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, Stage 2/3 Clinic. For details, contact Penny: 204-467-8789, email: pfidler@rainyday.ca or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 2-4 Stonewall, MB Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, Stage 4/5 Clinic. For details, contact Penny: 204-467-8789, email: pfidler@rainyday.ca or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 3-4 Dawson Creek, BC Better Barrel Racing Clinic with Sharron Camarillo. For details, contact Samantha Dilworth: 250-784-4764, or email: idbidfarm@yahoo.com 3-7 Calgary, AB Equine Myo-Fascial Release Level I presented by Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. For details, contact Lyndsey Deutsch: 403-556-0716 or email: info@ hoofnpaws.ca 4-7 Westerose, AB Jerry Tindell Clinic. For details, contact Marlene Quiring: 403-783-5210, email: marlenequiring@hotmail.com or visit: www.albertadonkeyandmule. com or www.jerrytindell.com 4-5 Stony Plain, AB Reining Alberta North Branch Clinic at Top Notch Performance Horses. For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net 5-6 Cochrane, AB Versatility Ranch Horse, Working Ranch/Cowhorse and Ranch Cutting. For details, email: cdasoperationsmanager@xplornet.com 5-6 Dawson Creek, BC Advanced Barrel Racing Workshop with Sharron Camarillo.

For details, contact Samantha Dilworth: 250-784-4764, or email: idbidfarm@yahoo.com 5-6 Delacour, AB Delacour Ag Society & Community Club Spring Horse Driving Clinic. For details, contact Cathy Summerscales:

403-226-6064, email: bcsummer@efirehose.net or visit: www.albertaequestrian.com 6-12 Medicine Hat, AB Equine Massage Therapy Course. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: 1-888-EQUINE2 or visit: www. equinerehab.ca 7-9 Saskatoon, SK Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart Workshop. For details, contact Wendy: 306492-4995, email: w.eliason@ xplornet.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com 8-9 Westerose, AB Jerry Tindell Private Sessions.

For details, contact Marlene Quiring: 403-783-5210, email: marlenequiring@hotmail.com or visit: www.albertadonkeyandmule.com or www.jerrytindell.com 8-11 Calgary, AB Equine Myo-Fascial Release Level I presented by Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. For details, contact Lyndsey Deutsch: 403-556-0716 or email: info@ hoofnpaws.ca

19-21 Leduc, AB Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, Stage 1 Clinic. For details, contact Crossbell Performance Horses: 780-916-0788, email: wedmans@xplornet.com or visit: www.thehorseranch.com 19-21 Horse Farming at historic Bar U Ranch. Contact: Debra Pigeon: deb.pigeon@pc.gc.ca (403) 395-2212 19-23 Calgary, AB Equine Advanced Massage Techniques Level I presented

by Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. For details, contact Lyndsey Deutsch: 403-556-0716 or email: info@hoofnpaws.ca

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

19-21 Falkland, BC Falkland Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com 20-21 100 Mile House, BC 100 Mile House Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeobc.com 23-27 Grande Prairie, AB Grand Prairie Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada. com

25-27 Bonnyville, AB Bonnyville Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com

24-August 10 Fort St. John, BC Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, 12 week Intensive Horsemanship Course. For details, contact Dixie: 1-877728-8987, email: Dixie@thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com

31-June 3 Leduc, AB Leduc Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com

25-27 Fairview, AB Reining Alberta Peace Branch Clinic with Amanda Antifaev.

For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net

31-June 3 Fort St. John, BC Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, Stage 2 Camp.

For details, contact Dixie: 1-877-728-8987, email: Dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www.thehorseranch.com

18-21 Stavely, AB Sid Cook Colt Starting and Horsemanship Classes. For details, call: 403-646-5595 or visit: www.sidcookquarterhorses.com

31-June 3 Ponoka, AB Quarter Horse Assocaiton of Alberta Chinook Quarter Horse Circuit. For details, visit: www. qhaa.com

24-June 14 Fort St. John, BC Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, 3 week Intensive Horsemanship Course. For details, contact Dixie: 1-877728-8987, email: Dixie@thehorseranch.com or visit: www. thehorseranch.com

12 Basic Driving Clinic presented

by Alberta Carriage Supply.

Cost $250. For details, call: 403-934-9537

17-29 Regina, SK Equine Vertebral Realignment Course. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: 1-888-EQUINE2 or visit: www. equinerehab.ca

19-21 Luxton, BC Luxton Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com

23-27 Grande Prairie, AB World Professional Chuckwagons at the Grande Prairie Stompede. For details, visit: www.wpca.com

26-29 Fort St. John, BC Natural Horsemanship with Glenn Stewart, Stage 1 Camp.

For details, contact Dixie: 1-877-728-8987, email: Dixie@ thehorseranch.com or visit: www.thehorseranch.com

13-16 Medicine Hat, AB Equine Vertebral Realignment Course. For details, contact Sidonia McIntyre: 1-888-EQUINE2 or visit: www. equinerehab.ca

18-21 Moose Jaw, SK Band City Quarter Horse Show.

For details, visit: www.sqha.org

23-29 Clinton, ON Equine Acupressure Level I presented by Hoof and Paw Body Workers Ltd. For details, contact Lyndsey Deutsch: 403-556-0716 or email: info@hoofnpaws.ca

10-13 Westerose, AB Jerry Tindell Riding Clinic.

For details, contact Marlene Quiring: 403-783-5210, email: marlenequiring@hotmail.com or visit: www.albertadonkeyandmule.com or www.jerrytindell.com

12-13 Red Deer, AB Connected Riding with Sue. Connect, center & balance your riding. Cost $325. For details, visit: www.horsesensedk. com/connectedriding

19-20 Keremeos, BC Keremeos Elks Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeobc.com

EQUINE EVENTS MAY 10-12 Stavely, AB Stavely Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com 12 Cochrane, AB Cochrane Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com 18-20 Caroline, AB Caroline Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeocanada.com 19-21 Horse Farming at the Historic Bar U Ranch. For details, contact Debra Pigeon: 403-3952212 or email: deb.pigeon@ pc.gc.ca

26-27 Clinton, BC Clinton May Ball Rodeo. For details, visit: www.rodeobc. com

SALES MAY 4-5 Saskatoon, SK 10th Anniversary Western Horse Sales Unlimited. For details, visit: www.pedersenhorses.com 4-5 Lethbridge, AB Perlich Bros 2012 Spring Horse Sale. For details, visit: www. perlich.com

Shows & Competitions MAY 3-6 Calgary, AB Spruce Meadows May Classic.

For details, contact Joanne Nimitz: joanne.nimitz@sprucemeadows.com or visit: www. sprucemeadows.com 9-13 Calgary, AB Bow Valley Classic I. For details, contact Caroline Jones: caroline@rmshowjumping.com 10-13 Claresholm, AB Quarter Horse Assocaiton of Alberta Claresholm Range Round Up. For details, visit: www.qhaa.com 16-20 Calgary, AB Bow Valley Classic II. For details, contact Caroline Jones: caroline@rmshowjumping.com

18-21 Red Deer, AB Parkland Spring Show #1. For details, contact Darlene Brouwer: beakerbrouwer@hotmail. com or visit: www.showsecretary.ca 20-21 Red Deer, AB Parkland Spring Show #2. For details, contact Darlene Brouwer: beakerbrouwer@hotmail. com or visit: www.showsecretary.ca 23-27 Calgary, AB Bow Valley Classic III. For details, contact Caroline Jones: caroline@rmshowjumping.com

Western Performance MAY 4-6 Ponoka, AB Alberta Reined Cowhorse Show. For details, visit: www. cowhorse.ca 6 Stony Plain, AB Reining Alberta North Branch Show at Top Notch Performance Horses. For details, visit: www.reiningalberta.net 11-13 Lloydminister, AB 24th Annual Lloydminister Cutting Horse Show. NCHA, CCHA & SCHA approved.

For details, contact Colleen West: 306-699-2323 or email: dc.west@sasktel.net 12-13 Fort St. John, BC Peace River Cutting Horse Association Show.

17-20 Nanton, AB Alberta Cutting Horse Association Silver Slate and Aged Show. For details, visit: www. acha.ca 19-20 Dawson Creek, BC Peace River Cutting Horse Association Show.

24-27 Ponoka, AB Alberta Cutting Horse Association Show. For details, visit: www.acha.ca 25-27 Claresholm, AB Alberta Reined Cowhorse Cowtown Derby & Stock Horse Show. For details, visit: www. cowhorse.ca 27 Fairview, AB Reining Alberta Peace Branch Show. For details, visit: www. reiningalberta.net

31

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Burwash

Presents

Small Spurs Rodeo Results

EQUINE SERVICES LTD.

For March 10th (Name/Time/Points)

.

(Top 5 from each category) Steer Riding Brown, Kyle . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 60 Biever, Logan . . . . . . . . . . . .73 50 Smeltzer, Griffin . . . . . . . . . .69 35 Henry, Kaydunn . . . . . . . . . . .69 35 Claypool, Riley . . . . . . . . . . .67 20 Poles 6 & Under Day Chief, Jayton . . . . . . 31 .55 60 Scheller, Shayanna . . . . 36 .44 50 Zaugg, Tamara . . . . . . . . 37 .31 40 Borsy, Kasha . . . . . . . . . . 37 .7 30 Statham, Kellan . . . . . . . 38 .57 20 Poles 7 -8 yrs Statham, Kenda . . . . . . . 22 .96 60 Aleman, Avery . . . . . . . . . 25 .01 50 Day Chief, Kale . . . . . . . . 26 .91 40 Brost, Braden . . . . . . . . . 28 .88 30 Smith, Shelby . . . . . . . . . 29 .55 20 Goat Tail Untying ( 7 & Under) Day Chief, Jake . . . . . . . . . . 7 .6 60 Powelson, Maysa . . . . . . . 7 .75 50 Day Chief, Jayton . . . . . . 10 .15 40 Zaugg, Tamara . . . . . . . . 10 .49 30 Smith, Shelby . . . . . . . . . 10 .89 20 Goat Tying 8 & Under Crombez, Justise . . . . . . 13 .86 60 Statham, Kenda . . . . . . . 14 .14 50 McAllister, Terris . . . . . . . 21 .55 40

Kelly, Kyla . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 .7 30 Aleman, Avery . . . . . . . . . 22 .93 20 Barrels 6 & Under Borsy, Kasha . . . . . . . . . . 22 .06 60 Day Chief, Jayton . . . . . . 22 .87 50 Dingreville, Morgan . . . . . 24 .27 40 Scheller, Shayanna . . . . . 24 .46 30 Day Chief, Makeisha . . . . 24 .51 20 Barrels 7-8 yrs Kelly, Kyla . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 .98 60 Statham, Kenda . . . . . . . 17 .04 50 Aleman, Avery . . . . . . . . . 17 .88 40 Day Chief, Jake . . . . . . . . 18 .83 30 Day Chief, Kale . . . . . . . . 18 .88 20 Breakaway 13-14 yrs .

Koehler, Colten . . . . . . . . . . . .3 60 Aleman, Austin . . . . . . . . . . 3 .9 50 Seitz, Kashley . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 40 Penner, John . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 .3 30 Seitz, K .C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 .9 20 Breakaway 11-12 yrs .

Thomson, K’s . . . . . . . . . . . 4 .6 60 Biever, Shaya . . . . . . . . . . . 5 .3 50 Stevens, Hayze . . . . . . . . . . 7 .4 40 Schlosser, Stran . . . . . . . . . .12 30 Breakaway 10 & Under Smeltzer, Grady . . . . . . . . . 6 .2 60

Team Roping Penner, John Header . . . . . . . .8 60 Koehler, Colten Heeler . . . . . . . . 60 McElhone, Amanda Header 15 .7 50 McElhone, Cheyenne Heeler . . . 50 Goat Tying 9-11 Yrs .

Whiteside, Kylie . . . . . . . . . 9 .7 60 Whiteside, Bradi . . . . . . . 11 .18 50 Kaenel, Payton . . . . . . . . 12 .18 40 Stevenson, Alisha . . . . . . . 12 .2 30 Nelson, Jade . . . . . . . . . 12 .63 20

“Exclusively Equine” Full Service Veterinary Clinic

Drs. Burwash, Nyrop, Butters, Penttila & Quaschnick Ph: 403.242.1913 Fax: 403.242.9361 email: eslvet@telus.net Visit our website for more information: www.eslvet.ca

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Dallyn, Jenna . . . . . . . . . . 9 .45 60 Nunn, Jill . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 .03 50 Olsen, Payden . . . . . . . . 10 .38 40 Pugsley, Emily . . . . . . . . 11 .14 30 Zur, Britnie . . . . . . . . . . . 11 .45 20 Boys Goat Tying 9-14 Yrs .

Thomson, K’s . . . . . . . . . 14 .16 60 Stevens, Hayze . . . . . . . . 14 .54 50 Zaugg, Dilon . . . . . . . . . . 16 .16 35 Christianson, Kade . . . . . 16 .16 35 Holt, Colby . . . . . . . . . . . 16 .25 20 For complete results listing go to: www.smallspursrodeo.com

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The latest equine news, events and more at

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012 january 2010

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HORSE TRAILERS

HORSE TRAILERS

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English, Western, and Driving Classes Gymkhana and Chore Horse Competition All breeds and sizes Dinner, Silent Auction, Lots of Action A great event for riders and equines new to the show ring!

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Home of North America’s Only WORKING MOUNTAIN HORSE Challenge and Select Sale Chuck & Terry McKinney

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Phone: 780-679-8451

COLLECTIBLES 53rd Cochrane Art Club. Fine art show & sale.

Held at Spray Lakes Center, May 5-6th @10 am to 4 pm. Free admission. For information contact 403-932-5715

Holly Johnson-Schultz, EEBW (780) 984-3648 www.wildhorseequinemassage.com Wildhorse127@gmail.com

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Arab Assoc. Breeders Sweepstakes Nominated Stallion Stud Fee: Quarter $600 Arb $500 Others $450 LFG All breeds welcome.

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www.georgesharnessandsaddlery.com harnsad@mcsnet.ca Morley Knudslien 2nd generation saddlemaker Jason Lusk 19 yrs Harnessmaker Box 29 Ryley, AB, Canada 780-663-3611

Anivac Animal Bathing Systems Pure Oxygen Accel Surface Cleaner Happy Horse Hay Steamers RejuvGelz The Best Magnetic Bandages

VARIOUS EQUINE SERVICES

BAR T5 TRAILERS

at Marsh Haven Farm

20FT GN Cimarron, Stock Combo, Inc Cowboy Package and Spare Tire

www.marshhavenfarm.com

$19,995 Now $18,995

403-931-2212 MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

FOR SALE CROSSBRED COLTS 2 coming two year old Clydesdale x Hackney colts.

Excellent bone, temperament, feet & movement. Should finish over 16HH. Both are bay with white faces & 4 white legs. Both come from excellent bloodlines - same sire & closely related mares. They are capable of any discipline, with a wealth of strength & grace. Very athletic.

Pleasure to be around.

Call Marilyn at 780-464-0679 | Email: hackneycross@gmail.com

Doris Daley

Fine western entertainment for conventions, campfires and everything in between.

GEORGE’S HARNESS & SADDLERY Sire: Mystic Chic X Mystic Warrior Dam: Bonnington Cody x L&M’s High Socks Produces Versitile minded foals with good conformation All Reg APHA foals eligible for CCF Nomination

Toll Free:1-866-500-2276 www.affordablebarns.com

2 H Maverick Light BP All Alum.

9795

$

www.bart5trailers.com

“If cowboy poetry was fresh milk and the cream that rises to the top was the best of the cowboy poets, then Doris Daley would be very rich and very, very fattening!”

— Waddie Mitchell, Elko NV

Bookings/info: www.dorisdaley.com

East Bruce Manufacturing Ltd

Home of the Popular “Quad Roper” Calf Catcher

Carriages, Wagons, Buggies & Carts

For more Info Visit www.eastbrucemanufacturingltd.com/carriages.html Email: hitchinpost.lusk@gmail.com Ph: 780-688-2496

Subscribe to Horses All! $27.30 for 1 year $60.56 for 3 years (taxes included)

1-800-665-0502 33

MARKETPLACE

MARKETPLACE

MARKETPLACE

Gena LaCoste - Artist Look for my daily painting blog & to see more artwork visit www.genalacoste.com

Slow Feeding Hay Nets

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU & PRODUCING A STRONG SALE!!

Bring your finest stock & we’ll work hard to get top dollar for you at the next Hermiston Horse Sale Extravaganza, which will be held on

May 19th & 20th, 2012 “Where we have been in business for over 50 years!”

For more information visit hermistonhorsesale.com or call Tyler Morgan, Horse Sale Manager (509) 830-2320

PINTO

GREAT Home, Great LOC, Lots of LAND, BIG SHOP! ASSOCIATION

Registering Canadian Pinto Horses & Ponies – Since 1963 Color Your World With A Pinto!!

A Colorful Organization Where People are the foundation of our success...&GREAT Friends areGreat made forLots Lifeof LAND, BIG SHOP! Home, LOC, WHY WAIT CALL TODAY Your horse may qualify for Registration (ONE Registered Lighthorse Parent Sire or Dam)

$749,000

2005 FULLY DEVELOPED 1526 sq. ft. 5 Bdr/3Bath,

ACREAGES/HOBBY FARMS FARMS $749,000 Attached Garage, WALKOUT Basement, InACREAGES/HOBBY Floor Heat, Fireplace, Large Heated 2005 SHOP with 2 Piece FULLY DEVELOPED 1526 sq. ft. 5 Bdr/3Bath, SHOP!Attached BIGAcres, LAND, Lots of LOC, Great & GREAT Home, Bath Upper Mez., 152 Corrals,Garage, 2nd Serviced WALKOUT Basement, In Floor GREAT Home, Great LOC, Lots ofHeated LAND, BIG SHOP! Heat, Large SHOP with 2 Piece Site. 1 mile off pavement, 25 min W Fireplace, of Sylvan Lake.

Bath & Upper Mez., 152 Acres, Corrals, 2nd Serviced NESTLED in TREES, YOUR DREAM PLACE, Site. 1 mile off pavement, 25 min W of Sylvan Lake.

LAKEFRONT LOT Wonderfully Treed, Season 2005 4Home onGated 152 Acres Trees & Pasture, LAKEFRONT LOT Wonderfully 4 Season Community, 5 GOLF Courses close, Sandy Beach, FULLY DEV. 1526 Sq. Treed, Ft. with AttchGated Garage, Community, 5 GOLF Courses close, Sandy Beach, BOAT Dock, Clubhouse w/POOL, Hot Tub, WALKOUT Basement, InFloor Heat, Fireplace, BOAT Dock, Clubhouse w/POOL, Hot Tub, Playground & Walking Paths. Heated Playground & Walking Paths.

SHOP with 2 Pc Bth., 4 Stall Barn, $139,000 Corrals, Outdoor Arena, 2nd Serviced Site, 1 $749,000 Mi off Pavemnt, W of Sylvan Lake.

#1 Ground Groomer Canada Wide

Place an ad in our classified section by calling: Crystal at 1-866-385-3669

SPARKS INNOVATIONS Allan & Joyce sparks • rr#2, Innisfail, AB t4G 1t7 Fax: 403-227-2421

403•227•2241

www.sparksinnovations.ca

$139,000

403-357-9010 403-357-9010

2005 FULLY DEVELOPED 1526 sq. ft. 5 Bdr/3Bath,

NEw TO CaNada! Fluidity™ is a palatable oral paste that will outperform Adequan I.M. and Legend® for joint care in Equine athletes. Using Natural ingredients Fluidity helps rebuild joints & cartilage

The Fluidity Advantage

Community, 5 GOLF Courses close, Sandy Beach, BOAT Dock, Clubhouse w/POOL, Hot Tub, Paths. & Walking Playground 12-00882.indd 1

Our customers have experienced that Fluidity™ provides both short & long-term relief for their horses, & Fluidity™ reduces inflammation from day one improving stride length, overall freedom of movement & performance Oxy-Gen®.offers horses a dependable source of safe, legal, all-natural products that are the industry’s finest & have helped make Oxy-Gen® a barnyard name.

Stay up to date!

866-571-7537

www.oxy-genca.com

ASK FOR A CATALOGUE WE SHIP EVERYWHERE

ELECTRIC NETS WITH POSTS

info@ferrisfencing.com • www.ferrisfencing.com

10/03/12

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17.64 ACRES 27/03/12 10:11 AM

FOR SALE

Good Horse Setup

27/03/12 10:11 AM

Priddis/Millarville, 6 stall insulated barn, shop, auto waterer, great terrain, water & pasture for horses. 1925 s.f. Hillside Bungalow w/ double attached garage. 20 minutes to SW Calgary. MLS C3504840

799,000.00

$

1360 sq ft bungalow (1960). Recently renovated with 3 bed/1 bath up. Finished basement with large family room and additional bed/bath, office. 60 x 120 indoor riding arena with attached insulated barn with 4 box stalls, tack room, washroom and viewing area. 2 shelters (24x56), hay shed (30x60) 4 water bowls, electric fence/ cross fenced, additional buildings. (306) 773-1601.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY 2 year diploma since 1974.

Training with large & small animals!!

On-site working farm. aht@gprc.ab.ca 1-888-999-7882 Fairview, AB

www.gprc.ab.ca

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HORSE PROPERTY. 60 acres, 6 mi from Swift Current SK.

COMPLETE ELECTRIC SYSTEMS

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in the WEST 403-357-9010 • www.DoriWestin.com

Gated LAKEFRONT LOT Wonderfully Treed, 4 Season 12-00882.indd

• Outperforms Adequan & Legend in joint care!!

• Replaces the need for joint injections!!

• Safe for both mares & bleeders!

• Palatable to even the fussiest horse!

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Attached Garage, WALKOUT Basement, In Floor Heat, Fireplace, Large Heated SHOP with 2 Piece Bath & Upper Mez., 152 Acres, Corrals, 2nd Serviced Site. 1 mile off pavement, 25 min W of Sylvan Lake.

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PINTO

Canadian Pinto Horse Association 26117 Hwy. 16A, Acheson, AB Canada T7X 5A2 Ph/Fax. 780-470-3786 www.canadianpinto.com | E-mail: info@canadianpinto.com

ArenA rAscAl PrO • sOIl MOIst

1/8_10,16X8,5725

PO Box 1671 Hermiston, OR 97838

NEED EXTRA HANDS DURING BUSY SEASONS? International AgriVenture trainees fill gaps on your equine, ranch, farm or horticultural operation. Trainees aged 18-30 spend 7-9 months hosted and employed by your family. Canadians aged 18-30 are also encouraged to apply for placements in Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand. www.agriventure.com 1-888-598-4415

Dealer for the TR3™Rake

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DON’T FORGET HERMISTON HORSE SALE EXTRAVAGANZA MAY 19 & 20, 2012!!

CANADIAN PINTO HORSE

HELP WANTED

Horses, ponies, llamas, sheep, exotics & more slowfeeder.com ~ slowhayfeeders@live.ca Questions? Call Us ~ 250-308-6208

HORSE AUCTION SALES

3 Big Extravaganza Sales

Saddle Bags Chaps. Rifle Scabbards.

Pack Saddles & Riggings.

Pokiak Pack Boxes.

New & Used Saddles Collector Saddles Show bridles & breast collars, spurs, ropes, bits, etc...

Book now for winter saddle repairs, cleaning and restringing.

403 527-0650 Email: gena03@telusplanet.net

parks nnovations

HORSE AUCTION SALES

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www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012

The Livestock Centre New loCatioN Featuring: Seminars Livestock equipment demonstrations Industry trade show booths

Celebrating

35years

of progress

www.myfarmshow.com

June 20 - 22, 2012

A Production of

Evraz Place, Regina, SK, Canada

DR TACK & PANEL AUCTION SALE Stone Bridge Hotel in the Ballroom

Grand Prairie, AB • Sat. May 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Selling a large selection of brand new and used saddles including team roping, barrel racing and buckaroo types.

Also wool saddle pads, cutter pads, wool saddle blankets, stirrups, breast collar and saddle bags, as well as chaps and grooming supplies.

We will be featuring 2 Heel O Matic roping Machines and some bones roping dummies.

There will be a load of horse panels, galvanized round bale feeders and corner stall feeders.

2 STOCK TRAILERS INCLUDING

250-546-9420

1 - 2010 Merritt Stock combo with 5’ tack room and 23’ of hauling space full swing 1/2 slide back door like new.

www.valleyauction.ca

2 - 2012 4 Star 8 x 28 stock trailer - 3 compartments full swing 1/2 slide back door, new.

Don @ 250-558-6789

MAY 2012 | www.horsesall.com

35

Let’s have a barn raising at your place!

Standard Features: * All Steel Frame: * 4 - 12’ x 12’Woodlined Box Stalls: * Heavy Duty Sliding Boxstall Doors or 6’ Calving Gates: 36’ x 24’ 4 Stall Barn Built in your yard

* 12’Wide Center Alley * 6’ Exterior Sliding Door * Colored Metal Siding of Choice

Barn Options Available:

ready to use!! $17,995. plus delivery

Larger Sizes Available in 12’ increments We don’t give estimates we give you the price!!!

* * * * *

Skylight Roof & Wall Insulation Tack Room Windows Wider & Insulated Exterior

* Stall Feeders * Stall Mats * Tie Stalls * Stallion Stalls Doors

Garages: Sold in Sizes: 15’, 18’, 24’ wide and variety of lengths.

8’3”& 9’6” wall heigths.

All Steel Framed Many options available Check out the website www.theaffordablegarage.com

Garage Options Available:

Ultimate in Hay Savers for Horses

1. Horses don’t have their heads in a dusty bale 2. Horses don’t waste hay 3. Really helps in parasite control $459.

Very Safe 50’ Round Pen Package: 7 Bar - 6’ HIgh - comes with 5’ ride through gate $1695.

HW $1995.

HD Framed Gate 10’ wide, 8’ high, 5 bar cattle $459.

6 bar bison, $479.

HD Well Pipe Panel with Gate 24’, 4 bar with 10’ gate $479.

30’, 5 bar, with 10’ gate $549. other gate sizes available

* Ground Anchors * Treated Wood Base Frame * Skylight

HD 5 Bar Swinging Gates: 16’ $179.

12’ $159.

10’ $149.

Also 6 Bar Bison Gate

* Windows * Walk In Door * Colored Roof

5’ High, 10’ long, 5 Bar $69. 6 bar $79.

Quantity Discounts Available

$299 Haysaver Goat & Sheep Feeder $459.

Sheep & Lamb Panels 7’ long,4’ high, 7 bar, $69.

Tombstone Round Bale Feeder $369.

Hay & Grain Haysaver 6’ long, 4 horse, $389

Round Bale Feeders $349

Freestanding 21’, Corral Panels with chain connectors for cattle, bison, horse and sheep 4’ high, 7 bar sheep panel $169.

5’ high, 6 bar, lightest weight $179.

5’ high, 6 bar, low pressure $199.

5’ high, 5 bar, heavy duty $239.

6’ high, 7 bar, Bison or stallion panels $289.

36

Windbreak Frame made with 2 7/8” well pipe 30’ long, 10’ cross leg, less boards $399.

www.horsesall.com | MAY 2012